A special tobacco control drive was conducted in Bijapur district on Friday to ensure compliance with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.

A joint team comprising personnel from the Kotwali Police, Drug Department and Health Department carried out inspections across the area and took challan action against 12 individuals and establishments for alleged violations of the tobacco control law.

Officials said action was taken under Sections 4 and 6 of the COTPA Act, covering smoking in public places and restrictions related to the sale of tobacco products at prohibited locations.

Action Against COTPA Violations

During the campaign, the joint team inspected locations where tobacco products were being used or sold.

Officials issued challans against 12 people and establishments found allegedly violating provisions of the tobacco control law.

The campaign was aimed at discouraging tobacco use in public places and ensuring that restrictions on tobacco sales are followed.

Tobacco Sales Near Schools, Hospitals Banned

During the inspections, officials also informed shopkeepers and members of the public about the legal restrictions on tobacco products.

They explained that the sale of tobacco products is prohibited in and around schools, colleges, hospitals and other educational and healthcare institutions.

Authorities urged shopkeepers to ensure that tobacco products are not sold in restricted areas.

Selling Tobacco to Minors Is an Offence

The joint team also warned traders against selling tobacco products to people below the age of 18.

Officials said that selling tobacco products to minors and promoting tobacco use among them are offences under the applicable law.

Shopkeepers were advised to check the age of customers and comply with the legal restrictions.

Awareness Alongside Enforcement

The campaign was not limited to challan action. Officials also conducted awareness activities and explained the health risks associated with tobacco consumption.

Residents and shopkeepers were encouraged to follow the provisions of the COTPA Act and avoid activities that could promote tobacco use.

More Drives Planned

The administration said similar enforcement and awareness campaigns will continue in the district.

Officials said violations of tobacco control regulations will be dealt with according to law and urged the public to cooperate with authorities.

The administration also appealed to residents to remain aware of the harmful effects of tobacco and support efforts aimed at reducing tobacco consumption.

 The Congress on Friday intensified its attack on the Chhattisgarh government over recent malaria-related deaths, demanding the resignation of Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal and alleging serious shortcomings in the state's disease surveillance and testing system.

State Congress Medical Cell chairman Dr. Rakesh Gupta accused the government of failing to ensure adequate availability of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits for malaria, claiming the shortage has adversely affected screening and early detection in several districts.

Congress Cites Stock Report

Addressing the issue, Dr. Gupta referred to the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation Limited (CMSCL) stock report dated July 30, 2026, alleging that only 3,588 malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test kits were available in government warehouses across the state.

He claimed that several districts currently have no RDT kits in stock and questioned how frontline health workers are conducting malaria screening under such circumstances.

"If rapid test kits are unavailable, on what basis are Mitanins and field health workers diagnosing malaria? Is the entire system relying only on blood smear tests, or has screening itself been affected?" he asked, urging the Health Minister to clarify the situation.

Deaths Trigger Political Row

The Congress raised the issue following recent malaria-related deaths reported from Kanker district, where four people, including three students and one woman, lost their lives.

Health authorities have confirmed malaria cases in villages including Sardi, Domargarh, Madepote and Chichgaon, where more than 30 people have tested positive. Medical teams have established health camps and are conducting screening, testing and treatment in the affected areas.

The opposition alleged that the deaths exposed weaknesses in the state's malaria prevention strategy and accused the government of failing to respond effectively to the outbreak.

Government Accused of Concealing Ground Reality

Dr. Gupta further alleged that the Health Minister was attempting to downplay the seriousness of the malaria situation.

He also referred to malaria-related deaths reported in parts of Kabirdham district, claiming that the government's public statements did not accurately reflect the conditions on the ground.

According to the Congress, delays in diagnosis and inadequate preventive measures have contributed to the worsening situation in vulnerable tribal regions.

Reference to Previous Malaria Campaign

The Congress highlighted the previous government's 'Malaria Mukt Bastar Abhiyan', stating that the programme had significantly reduced malaria prevalence through extensive door-to-door screening and timely treatment.

The party claimed that the current administration has failed to sustain those gains and has weakened the public health response in malaria-prone districts.

Questions Over Mosquito Net Distribution

Apart from testing infrastructure, the Congress also questioned the procurement and distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

The party alleged that delays and administrative lapses have affected preventive measures in vulnerable communities and warned that the situation could deteriorate further if immediate corrective steps are not taken.

Demand for Accountability

The Congress has urged Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to remove the Health Minister from office, holding him accountable for the state's handling of the malaria situation.

The state government has not yet issued a detailed response to the Congress' allegations regarding the availability of malaria testing kits. Health authorities, however, have maintained that screening, testing and treatment activities are continuing in the affected districts.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken a stern view of the state government's failure to implement its judgment striking down 100% reservation for women in nursing college teaching posts. The court has issued contempt notices to the State Health Secretary Amit Kataria and Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) Secretary D. Rahul Venkat for allegedly ignoring its directions for nearly three years.

The division bench had earlier declared exclusive reservation for women in nursing college faculty recruitment unconstitutional and directed the state to allow eligible male candidates to participate in the selection process. Despite the ruling, the recruitment process has not been revised, prompting aggrieved candidates to move the High Court through a contempt petition.

Recruitment Rule Challenged

The dispute dates back to December 8, 2021, when the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission issued a recruitment notification for the posts of Demonstrator and Assistant Professor in government nursing colleges.

Under Rule 5 and Schedule-III of the 2013 recruitment rules, only women candidates were permitted to apply, effectively excluding qualified male nursing graduates from the selection process.

Male Candidates Approached High Court

A group of petitioners, including Abhay Kumar Kispotta, Dr. Ajay Tripathi, Elyus Ekka, and Aditya Singh, challenged the recruitment rules before the High Court in 2021.

The petitioners argued that both men and women are admitted to B.Sc. Nursing and M.Sc. Nursing courses without discrimination. Therefore, preventing male candidates from applying for teaching positions after completing the same qualifications violated the constitutional guarantee of equality.

Government Defended Women-Only Policy

During the hearing, the state government defended the policy by arguing that nursing services are largely provided by women and cited Article 15(3) of the Constitution, which allows the state to make special provisions for women and children.

However, the High Court held that reserving 100% of teaching posts exclusively for women was unconstitutional and directed the authorities to modify the recruitment process to include male candidates.

Court Order Yet to Be Implemented

According to the contempt petition, despite the High Court's ruling in March 2023, the Health Department and the Directorate of Medical Education have not amended the recruitment rules or issued a revised advertisement permitting male applicants.

The petition also states that six days after the judgment, on March 15, 2023, the CGPSC Deputy Secretary wrote to the Medical Education Department seeking revised recruitment proposals to proceed with fresh appointments. Despite the communication and subsequent representations by candidates, no corrective action was taken.

Contractual Recruitment Sparks Fresh Dispute

Instead of initiating regular recruitment in compliance with the High Court's order, the Medical Education Department issued a fresh advertisement on June 22, 2026, inviting applications on a contractual basis for the posts of Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, and Demonstrator in government nursing colleges.

The move prompted the petitioners to file a contempt plea, alleging deliberate non-compliance with the court's earlier directions.

Taking note of the allegations, the High Court has now issued contempt notices to the Health Secretary and the CGPSC Secretary. The matter has been listed for further hearing after five weeks, during which the state government is expected to explain why the court's directions remain unimplemented.

The outcome of the case is likely to have significant implications for future recruitment in government nursing colleges and could determine whether male nursing professionals receive equal opportunities in teaching positions across Chhattisgarh.

A sudden malaria outbreak in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district has claimed the lives of two school students within two days, while 11 children studying in government-run hostels have tested positive for the mosquito-borne disease, prompting health authorities to launch an emergency response.

The district administration and the Health Department have intensified surveillance in affected areas, with medical teams conducting door-to-door screening and setting up health camps in hostels and nearby villages.

Health Department Confirms Outbreak

Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. R.C. Thakur said the district has witnessed an unexpected spike in malaria cases over the past few days.

According to the health department, rapid testing, treatment and preventive measures are being carried out in the affected hostels. Authorities have also directed officials to closely monitor all government residential schools and hostels across the district.

Two Students Lose Their Lives

One of the victims was nine-year-old Kareena Vishwakarma from Domaharra village. She and her two sisters were admitted to the district hospital after developing high fever. Kareena died during treatment on July 25, while her sisters continue to receive medical care.

In a separate incident, nine-year-old Subhash Kumeti, a student residing at the Mardapoti hostel, also succumbed to malaria.

Officials said several students at the hostel had complained of fever and headaches. Medical screening confirmed malaria infection in four students. Subhash's condition deteriorated after he was taken home by his family, and despite being brought back to the district hospital, he died during treatment on Sunday.

Eleven Hostel Students Test Positive

Health officials said 11 students from the Iradah and Mardapoti government hostels have tested positive for malaria.

Medical teams have established camps inside the hostels, where infected students are receiving treatment while other residents are being screened to prevent further spread.

No Cases Detected Days Earlier

Assistant Commissioner of the Tribal Welfare Department Jaya Manu said all government hostels had undergone routine health screening on July 22, and no malaria cases were detected at that time.

However, infections began surfacing rapidly after July 24, indicating what officials described as a sudden outbreak.

Containment Measures Intensified

The Health Department has begun extensive surveillance in the affected villages and hostels. Teams are conducting fever screening, blood tests and distributing anti-malarial medicines.

Authorities are also carrying out mosquito-control measures, including awareness campaigns, inspections of waterlogging sites and preventive interventions in vulnerable areas.

Officials Urge Preventive Measures

Health officials have advised residents to use mosquito nets, wear full-sleeved clothing, apply mosquito repellents and ensure that stagnant water does not accumulate around homes.

People experiencing persistent fever, chills, headaches or body aches have been urged to seek immediate medical attention, as early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve recovery from malaria.

The accused, Dr Santosh Kumar Patel, was arrested by the ACB's Bilaspur unit during a planned trap operation on Wednesday night. Officials said the doctor had allegedly demanded the money in exchange for forwarding salary-related pay data required for the release of the complainant's pending wages.

According to the ACB, the complainant, Ganga Prasad Ratnakar, is a Grade-II pharmacist who has been attached to the District Hospital in Sakti since February 2026. His original posting is at the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) office in Portha, Sakti district.

Ratnakar alleged that despite performing his duties, his salary for May and June 2026 had not been processed because the required pay data had not been forwarded to the CMHO office. He claimed that Dr Patel demanded ₹20,000 per month for forwarding his pay records from February to June 2026, taking the total alleged bribe demand to ₹1 lakh.

Instead of paying the amount, the pharmacist approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau and lodged a formal complaint. After verifying the allegations, ACB officials concluded that a prima facie case existed and decided to organise a trap operation.

According to investigators, Dr Patel instructed the complainant to bring the money to Dabhra on July 23. The meeting was reportedly fixed near Dabhra College Chowk, where the complainant arrived in a Scorpio vehicle carrying the marked currency notes provided as part of the trap.

Officials said that at around 9 pm, the accused entered the complainant's vehicle and accepted the cash. The ACB team, which had been monitoring the transaction, immediately intervened and caught the Civil Surgeon while he was allegedly in possession of the bribe amount.

The entire sum of ₹1 lakh was recovered from the accused at the spot. Following the arrest, the ACB registered a case under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and initiated further legal proceedings.

Investigators are now examining whether similar demands were made from other employees in the department and whether additional officials were involved in the alleged corruption. Officials indicated that further questioning and scrutiny of official records would form part of the investigation.

The arrest has triggered concern within the district's health administration, where the accused held a key supervisory position at the government hospital. The incident has also raised questions regarding administrative procedures linked to salary processing and internal oversight in the health department.

The ACB has reiterated that government employees facing demands for illegal gratification should report such incidents instead of paying bribes. Officials said public cooperation remains an important factor in identifying and acting against corruption in government offices.

The investigation is continuing, and the agency is expected to present the accused before the competent court while pursuing additional evidence in the case.

A 46-year-old man from Andhra Pradesh's Kadapa district has died after testing positive for COVID-19, prompting state health authorities to intensify surveillance and review preparedness across government hospitals. The patient had been admitted to Christian Medical College (CMC) Hospital in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, where he died after four days of treatment.

According to health officials, the deceased had suffered severe damage to both lungs. He had been kept in isolation during treatment, and authorities have now initiated contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the infection. Sanitisation measures have also been carried out in the locality as a precautionary step.

Five New Cases Detected

Following the fatality, the Andhra Pradesh Health Department conducted a statewide review, during which five new COVID-19 cases were detected in Kadapa and Tirupati districts.

Officials said the fresh infections have led to increased monitoring, although there is no indication of widespread community transmission at present. Health authorities have urged district administrations to remain vigilant and ensure timely reporting of suspected cases.

Hospitals Asked to Review Readiness

In response to the latest developments, the Director of Medical Education (DME) has directed all government hospitals in Andhra Pradesh to submit updated reports on their preparedness to handle COVID-19 cases.

Hospitals have been instructed to provide details regarding:

• Availability of isolation beds

• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds

• Oxygen supply

• Ventilators

• Essential medicines

• Rapid testing kits

• Ambulance services

• Availability of doctors, nurses and healthcare personnel

The review aims to ensure that medical facilities are adequately equipped should infections rise in the coming weeks.

Health Surveillance Intensified

Officials are continuing epidemiological investigations into the deceased patient's travel history, medical condition and close contacts. Public health teams have been deployed to monitor the situation and implement preventive measures wherever necessary.

Authorities have advised citizens not to panic but to remain cautious by following basic health practices, particularly if experiencing respiratory symptoms.

COVID-19 Variants Continue to Evolve

Since the coronavirus first emerged, thousands of variants have been identified worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified major variants including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron.

Omicron has since evolved into multiple sub-variants, including JN.1, XFG and NB.1.8.1, which continue to be monitored by global health agencies for changes in transmissibility and disease severity.

Global and National Impact

India officially recorded nearly 5.3 lakh COVID-19-related deaths by the end of 2022. However, the World Health Organization estimated that the pandemic may have caused approximately 47 lakh deaths in the country, considering excess mortality estimates.

Globally, official COVID-19 fatalities crossed 66 lakh by the end of 2022, making it one of the deadliest public health crises in modern history.

Health authorities in Andhra Pradesh have reiterated that while the current situation remains under observation, healthcare infrastructure is being reviewed proactively to ensure readiness for any future surge.

The Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Gwalior has issued show-cause notices to eight health department employees after they were found absent without prior permission during a monthly review meeting of government health programmes in Bhitarwar block. The action comes as the district health administration tightens accountability to ensure the effective implementation of public healthcare services and national health schemes.

The review meeting, held on Tuesday, focused on assessing the progress of various national health programmes and government-sponsored healthcare initiatives. During the meeting, several officials and staff members were found absent without informing the department in advance, prompting the CMHO to seek explanations from the concerned employees.

According to health department officials, the unexplained absence was treated as a serious case of indiscipline, particularly because such review meetings play a crucial role in monitoring the implementation of healthcare services at the grassroots level.

Review Meeting Focused on Health Schemes

The monthly review meeting was organised to evaluate the performance of various health programmes being implemented in Bhitarwar block. Officials reviewed the progress of ongoing schemes, service delivery, and the functioning of health centres across the region.

During attendance verification, eight employees were found missing without any prior intimation or approved leave. Taking serious note of the absence, CMHO Dr. M.S. Sagar directed that show-cause notices be issued immediately to all concerned staff members.

Officials said regular participation in review meetings is essential for monitoring field-level performance and ensuring that healthcare services are delivered efficiently to beneficiaries.

Eight Employees Receive Show-Cause Notices

The employees who have been served notices include Community Health Officer (CHO) Prabha Shankar Kourav of Bhauri Sub Centre, Priyanka Solanki, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) at Toda Sub Centre, Parvati Choudhary, ANM at Antari, Ritu Choubey, ANM at Gohinda, and Archana Kumari, CHO at Sakhni.

The notices have also been issued to Data Entry Operators Abhishek Shrivastava, Ram Milan Rawat, and Komal Singh Rawat.

All eight employees have been directed to submit their explanations within the stipulated time frame.

Strict Action Warned for Unsatisfactory Replies

CMHO Dr. M.S. Sagar said that attendance at departmental review meetings is mandatory for all health officials and employees, as these meetings help assess the implementation of health services and government welfare schemes.

He instructed the concerned employees to submit written explanations within the prescribed deadline and warned that disciplinary action would be initiated under departmental rules if their responses are found unsatisfactory.

The CMHO also directed all health officers and staff to ensure mandatory participation in future review meetings and maintain accountability in discharging their official responsibilities.

According to officials, the district health administration has been placing greater emphasis on regular monitoring and timely implementation of healthcare programmes to improve public health services across Gwalior district. Authorities believe that strict adherence to departmental procedures and attendance norms is essential for achieving better outcomes under various national and state health initiatives.

A 26-year-old pregnant woman and her newborn died during a home delivery in Chhattisgarh's Surguja district, prompting concerns over maternal healthcare awareness and the risks associated with unattended deliveries. Health officials said the woman had been diagnosed with severe anaemia and high blood pressure weeks before the incident and had been advised to undergo treatment at a hospital.

The incident occurred in Sakariya village of Lakhanpur block, where Sukhni Majhwar was undergoing delivery at home on Tuesday morning with the assistance of a traditional birth attendant. Both the mother and the unborn child died during the delivery.

Following the incident, officials from the Health Department reached the village to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Acting on the directions of the Block Medical Officer (BMO), Rural Medical Assistant Dr. Vinod Kumar Bhargava recorded statements from the family members and conducted a preliminary inquiry.

Medical Examination Had Flagged High-Risk Pregnancy

According to the Health Department, Sukhni Majhwar had recently returned to her native village from Tamil Nadu, where she and her husband, Dinesh Majhwar, worked as migrant labourers. The couple returned home on June 14 when she was around eight months pregnant.

On June 21, the village Mitanin (community health worker) accompanied her to the Primary Health Centre at Kunni for a routine antenatal examination. Medical tests reportedly found her haemoglobin level to be 6.6 g/dL, indicating severe anaemia, while her blood pressure was also elevated, placing her pregnancy in the high-risk category.

Doctors advised her to report to the hospital the following day for an iron sucrose infusion and recommended further evaluation and treatment at the district hospital in Ambikapur.

Recommended Treatment Not Availed

Health officials stated that despite repeated medical advice, the pregnant woman did not visit the district hospital for further treatment and did not receive the prescribed iron sucrose therapy.

Nearly two weeks after the medical examination, she went into labour at home. Instead of being shifted to a healthcare facility, the delivery was conducted in the village with the assistance of a local birth attendant. During the delivery, both the mother and the baby died.

The Health Department maintains that timely medical intervention and institutional delivery could have reduced the risks associated with her condition.

Preliminary Probe Points to Severe Anaemia

Rural Medical Assistant Dr. Vinod Kumar Bhargava said the preliminary inquiry indicates that severe anaemia was the primary factor behind the deaths of both the mother and the newborn.

He stated that despite being identified as a high-risk pregnancy, proper treatment was not completed. According to him, the case also highlights the need for greater public awareness regarding institutional deliveries and regular antenatal care.

Health officials added that community health workers, including Mitanins, are being instructed to ensure that all pregnant women undergo regular health check-ups and are referred to hospitals without delay whenever complications are detected.

Focus on Maternal Health Awareness

The incident has once again drawn attention to the importance of institutional deliveries, especially in cases involving high-risk pregnancies. Public health experts have consistently stressed that conditions such as severe anaemia and hypertension require close medical monitoring, as they significantly increase the risk of complications during childbirth.

Authorities are expected to complete a detailed inquiry into the incident while continuing awareness campaigns encouraging expectant mothers and their families to seek timely medical care and avoid unsafe home deliveries in high-risk cases.

The administration in Madhya Pradesh’s Maihar district has initiated strict action after a measles outbreak affected several villages, with health authorities confirming infection in 21 children. The development has raised concerns over vaccination coverage and surveillance activities in the affected areas.

District Collector Vidisha Mukherjee reviewed the situation on Monday and expressed dissatisfaction over alleged negligence in immunisation and field monitoring efforts. The action follows a report submitted by the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO), highlighting gaps in vaccination and disease-control measures.

According to health department records, measles cases have been reported from Deori, Raigaon, Semra and Ajwain areas of Maihar block. Out of 43 suspected cases investigated so far, 21 children have been confirmed to be infected with measles. Most of the affected children belong to the zero-to-five-year age group.

The outbreak has already claimed the life of a three-year-old child, intensifying concerns among health officials and local residents. Authorities are now working to prevent further spread of the disease through surveillance and vaccination drives.

During a review meeting, the Collector found that certain sub-health centres had failed to conduct vaccination activities adequately. It was also observed that entries related to immunisation were not uploaded on the U-WIN portal, which is used for monitoring vaccination records.

Taking serious note of the matter, the district administration directed officials to fix accountability and ensure immediate corrective measures. The Collector warned that if improvements are not seen promptly, officials at both block and district levels could also face action.

The administration has additionally instructed authorities to take action against Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) found neglecting responsibilities related to door-to-door surveys and mobilising children for vaccination. Officials have been asked to ensure that all eligible children are covered through routine immunisation sessions and that no beneficiary is left out.

Block Medical Officers (BMOs) and Block Programme Managers (BPMs) have been directed to closely monitor vaccination sessions and ensure timely data entry on the U-WIN portal. District Immunisation Officer Dr. Suchitra Agrawal has been asked to conduct another review of the situation after ten days.

Meanwhile, CMHO Dr. Manoj Shukla has issued show-cause notices to Community Health Officer (CHO) Pooja Soni and Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) Vimla Shukla, both posted at the Ajmain sub-health centre. The notices cite alleged negligence in surveillance, monitoring and outbreak-control activities in the affected villages.

The officials have been directed to submit their replies within two days. The action was initiated after a report prepared by Maihar Block Medical Officer Dr. Piyush Pandey was forwarded to the CMHO for further proceedings.

The CMHO had also recommended temporary closure of schools and anganwadi centres in the affected area to contain the spread of infection. The proposal was sent to the district administration for consideration as health teams continue field investigations and awareness campaigns.

Health officials say measles cases are continuing to emerge from Maihar, Satna, Nagod and Majhgawan areas, making containment efforts critical in the coming days. Further surveillance and vaccination activities are underway, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

Residents of Jawa block in Rewa district were left shocked and disappointed on Saturday when they found the Community Health Centre (CHC) locked during regular OPD hours. Several rooms had locks hanging on the doors, with no doctors or health staff present on duty, forcing patients from remote villages to return home untreated after waiting for hours.

The incident has once again exposed serious lapses in rural healthcare services in the region.

Patients Wait in Vain

Many patients and their attendants reached the Jawa CHC hoping for medical consultation but were met with locked gates and deserted corridors. Preetu Yadav, who came for treatment, said the OPD was completely closed. Despite waiting for a long time, no doctor or staff member arrived, leaving her with no option but to return without medicines.

Rajesh Patel, who had brought a family member, said he found the main gate locked. “There was no one to attend to patients,” he added. Sunita Saket, another local, narrated a similar experience, saying she too had to go back without any treatment.

Recurring Negligence Alleged

Locals claimed that staff absenteeism at Jawa CHC is not a one-off incident but a frequent problem. According to residents, doctors and health workers are often absent, severely affecting healthcare delivery in the surrounding villages. This chronic negligence has eroded public trust in government health facilities.

Villagers said small ailments often turn serious because timely medical help remains unavailable at the community health centre, which serves as the primary point of care for hundreds of families in the block.

Demand for Strict Action

Angry residents have demanded an impartial inquiry by the health department and district administration into the matter. They have called for strict legal action against absent doctors and staff so that such lapses do not repeat in the future.

People stressed that accountability is necessary to improve the functioning of rural health centres and ensure that government schemes reach those who need them the most.

Impact on Rural Healthcare

Community Health Centres like the one in Jawa are crucial for providing basic medical services in remote areas. Repeated incidents of locked doors and missing staff not only inconvenience patients but also undermine the effectiveness of public health programmes in Madhya Pradesh.

Local leaders and villagers hope that senior health officials will take immediate note of the complaint and ensure regular presence of medical personnel at the facility. They have appealed for better monitoring and disciplinary measures to strengthen healthcare delivery in the district.

The episode has sparked concern among people in the region, who expect swift corrective steps from the authorities.

A tragic incident at the District Hospital in Surajpur, Chhattisgarh, has sparked controversy after a pregnant woman and her unborn child died shortly before a scheduled delivery procedure. The incident led to protests by family members and local residents, who accused hospital staff of medical negligence and demanded strict action against those responsible.

The deceased, identified as 19-year-old Pooja Manikpuri from Ramnagar village, was admitted to the Maternal and Child Health Wing of the district hospital on Tuesday morning after experiencing labor pain. According to hospital sources, doctors had planned a surgical delivery considering her medical condition. However, before the procedure could take place, both the mother and the unborn child died.

The incident triggered emotional scenes at the hospital, with grieving relatives gathering outside the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) office and demanding an impartial investigation.

Family Alleges Wrong Injection

According to the woman's husband, Suraj Manikpuri, his wife’s condition deteriorated shortly after she was administered an injection at the hospital. He alleged that the medication was given without adequately informing the family and claimed that her health worsened immediately afterward.

Family members have accused the hospital of negligence and submitted a formal complaint seeking action against those involved. They have also called for a transparent inquiry into the circumstances leading to the deaths.

Relatives said the woman had been admitted around 9 a.m. and was being prepared for delivery when the incident occurred. By afternoon, doctors had declared both the mother and child dead.

Doctors Cite Medical Complications

Hospital officials have denied allegations of negligence and stated that the patient was already facing health complications. According to the attending doctor, the woman had a history of blood pressure-related issues, which were affecting blood supply to the fetus.

Doctors said preparations were underway for a surgical procedure when a prescribed injection was administered as part of the treatment protocol. Shortly afterward, the patient reportedly developed severe vomiting.

Medical staff claim that the vomit entered her airway, causing respiratory complications that ultimately led to her death. Hospital authorities stated that such reactions can occur in certain cases, though determining the exact cause of death will require medical examination and expert review.

Investigation Teams Formed

Following the protests, health authorities moved quickly to initiate an inquiry. The Chief Medical and Health Officer has constituted separate committees to investigate the incident and oversee the post-mortem examination.

Officials confirmed that a panel of medical experts will conduct the post-mortem procedure to establish the precise cause of death. The findings are expected to play a crucial role in determining whether any lapse occurred during treatment.

Authorities emphasized that conclusions would be drawn only after receiving the post-mortem report and the findings of the inquiry committee.

Questions Over Maternal Healthcare

The incident has once again raised concerns about maternal healthcare services and emergency medical response in public hospitals. Cases involving maternal deaths often draw significant public attention and underline the importance of strict medical protocols and patient safety measures.

Health officials have assured the family that the investigation will be conducted fairly and that appropriate action will be taken if negligence is established.

 Infant Dies of Malnutrition in MP, Twin Critical

Quack Clinic Sealed After Death

A four-month-old girl died of severe malnutrition in Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district, officials confirmed on Wednesday. Her twin brother remains critical and is battling for life at Rewa Medical College.

The children, identified as Supranshi and Naitik, were born to Vimla and Natthu Prajapati, residents of Surangi village. According to sources, both infants had been suffering from fever, diarrhoea and vomiting for nearly 15 days before the situation turned fatal.

Twin Battles in PICU

The family first approached a quack in Jugulpur village for treatment. When the condition worsened, they took the children to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Majhgawan on Tuesday evening. After primary care, doctors referred them to Satna district hospital.

Both babies were admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) around 8 pm. Medical examination revealed extreme malnutrition and dangerously low body weight for their age. Supranshi passed away during treatment at 4 pm on Wednesday. Naitik was shifted to Rewa Medical College in a critical state.

Officials Issue Show-Cause Notices

Following the deaths, Collector Dr Satish Kumar ordered an immediate probe. Women and Child Development Department officer Rajiv Singh issued notices to sector supervisor Karuna Pandey and anganwadi worker Pooja Pandey, seeking explanations for their alleged negligence.

The Majhgawan SDM led a raid on the clinic of quack Premlal Anuragi late Wednesday night. Authorities seized nearly 100 types of medicines and sealed the premises for operating without a valid licence.

Mother Lacked Breastfeeding Guidance

Investigations revealed a deeper failure. Due to the mother’s weakness, the twins did not receive breast milk. Relatives fed them goat and cow milk instead. Doctors said this is highly dangerous for infants under six months, who require only mother’s milk for adequate nutrition.

“The family received no proper guidance,” a health official said. The children’s birth weight at Majhgawan CHC on December 21 was recorded at 2.95 kg for Naitik and 2.86 kg for Supranshi. At four months, their weight remained critically below the normal range of 4-5 kg.

ASHA Worker Failed to Stay in Touch

Mother Vimla alleged that apart from vaccination drives, no government scheme benefits reached them. “The ASHA worker did not keep regular contact. We got no timely advice or help,” she said. Field-level negligence is now being examined as a possible contributing factor.

The Chief Medical Officer confirmed that Premlal Anuragi had no valid licence. “He treated the children for 15 days and never referred them to a hospital,” said Dr Rupesh Soni, BMO. A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the MP Swasthya Chikitsa Adhiniyam.

Majhgawan Remains Malnutrition Hotspot

Majhgawan block in Satna has recorded previous malnutrition deaths. In September 2022, a child named Somwati Mavasi died under similar circumstances in the same area. Officials admit that despite past incidents, ground-level conditions have shown little improvement.

As per latest government updates, health teams have been directed to conduct door-to-door surveys in high-risk villages. The administration has also ordered a review of all anganwadi centres in the block. What happens next depends on whether these orders translate into action before another family loses a child to hunger and neglect.