In what we call a shocking incident, a pregnant woman allegedly delivered a baby at the bus stop in Salem yesterday only because she was not in a position to bribe the hospital authorities for a treatment. At a point of time wherein we see auto rickshaw drivers too coming forward and and offering free services to pregnant woman, it's really unfortunate that hospital (which is treated like temple irrespective of all regions, religions, communities or whatsoever) denies treatment to such pregnant woman as she has fallen short of those big notes to fill the pockets of medical staff.

The woman in the news to give birth at a bus stop originally hails from Vijayawada of Andhra Pradesh. Aged about 24, she came down to Tamil Nadu long back wherein she has been earning her daily bread and butter through daily labour. She approached a government hospital in Salem after she got labour pains. However, the nurses over there allegedly demanded 1000 rupees failing which her case would not be entertained.

The poor woman, who was told on face that she would not be given any treatment, walked about a kilometre to reach Salem bus stop. And finally she gave the birth at the bus stop. Thanks to the locals, who called the ambulance and rushed her to the hospital (the same hospital). This time matter went up to the dean who ordered an inquiry into the incident.

(AW Phani)