Maternal Health Service – Sonitpur

Post Date: Monday, May 30, 2016

In yet another fact finding conducted by Human Rights Law Network in Sonitpur, Assam, a clear violation of a woman’s fundamental rights enshrined in schemes, the Constitution of India, and international lawwas observed.

The fact finding team visited Rajini Satwal’s family in Sonitpur District and found violations of her Right to Health despite several government’s schemes and programs. Her labor pain started and she was admitted to Balipara PHC. On account of her severe anemia, the PHC referred Rajini to Kanaklata Civil Hospital which is 20 kms away from her residence. Her husband took her in a private car and spent  a total of Rs 3400/- in violation of the JSSK ( Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram). Due to the high cost of medical expenses even at the government hospital, the family could not even afford to provide basic medical services like blood. At the time of discharge the staff nurse had forcefully insisted that Rajini sign a paper where it was written that she would not receive Rs.1400/ for the institutional delivery under the JSSK. The medical staff also charged the family to register the new born baby. The team was informed that Ranjini had not received any postnatal check up. 

Rajni was denied basic primary health care services like non availability of ambulance services and no treatment for anemia in a government health centre which leads to the violation of her Right to Health.

The detailed report on the fact finding of Sonitpur District has been attached.

Contact: Pritisha Borah; pritisha@hrln.org