A woman in Madhya Pradesh's Mandla district delivered quadruplets inside an autorickshaw on Tuesday after allegedly waiting hours for an ambulance that never arrived. All four newborns died, according to the family, who are now accusing local health authorities of negligence.
The Incident
The woman went into labour at her home in Mandla on Tuesday morning. Her family called for an ambulance from the nearest primary health centre, roughly 10 kilometres away. Instead of waiting for medical transport, they say they were forced to arrange a private auto after the ambulance failed to show up.
She delivered all four babies inside the vehicle during the journey. By the time they reached Mandla District Hospital, doctors could only confirm the deaths. Hospital officials have not yet issued a public statement on the incident.
Family's Account
The family told local reporters the ambulance was promised within 30 minutes of their call. When more than two hours passed with no vehicle, they decided to hire an autorickshaw. The driver rushed them to hospital, but the rough road conditions inside the cramped vehicle proved too much for the premature deliveries.
"We trusted the government would send help," a relative said. "We waited as long as we could. By the time we realised no one was coming, there was no choice left."
Local Healthcare Infrastructure Under Scrutiny
Mandla district, located about 50 kilometres from the state capital Bhopal, relies heavily on a network of primary health centres serving rural populations spread across forested terrain. Critics say the ambulance fleet serving these centres is inadequate, particularly for high-risk pregnancies requiring urgent transfers.
The state government operates a 108 ambulance service meant to provide emergency medical transport across Madhya Pradesh. How this service failed to respond in this case remains unclear. Officials have not confirmed whether the family contacted the 108 line or relied on the local health centre.
Previous Healthcare Gaps in the Region
Mandla has recorded maternal and infant mortality rates above the state average in recent years. A 2023 health survey flagged delays in emergency obstetric transfers as a persistent problem across several districts in eastern Madhya Pradesh. Community health workers say they often lack reliable communication links to coordinate ambulance dispatch in remote villages.
Political Fallout
Opposition leaders in the state assembly have demanded a formal investigation. The family has filed a complaint with the district collector's office, requesting action against those responsible for the alleged delay. A senior district official confirmed that an inquiry has been ordered but declined to provide a timeline for its completion.
Local activists say the incident exposes deeper failures in rural emergency healthcare. "Calling an ambulance and getting one are two different things in districts like Mandla," said a community organiser working in the area. "The gap between policy and ground reality is killing people."
What Happens Next
District authorities have said they will submit a report to the state health department within two weeks. The family has called for compensation and criminal proceedings against those found responsible. Health officials in Bhopal have not commented publicly beyond acknowledging the inquiry.
Advocacy groups are watching whether the state expands its ambulance fleet or improves response protocols in underserved districts. The incident is likely to resurface during the next state assembly session, where opposition members have already indicated they will raise questions about rural healthcare spending.
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A 2023 health survey flagged delays in emergency obstetric transfers as a persistent problem across several districts in eastern Madhya Pradesh. A senior district official confirmed that an inquiry has been ordered but declined to provide a timeline for its completion.Local activists say the incident exposes deeper failures in rural emergency healthcare.
