Pregnant employee’s plea for timely healthcare 'ignored' by lady officer

Bhubaneswar: In a deeply tragic incident, a seven-month-old fetus died in the womb after a Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) in Kendrapara allegedly refused to let a pregnant clerk leave work to seek medical help.

Barsha, who had been diligently attending her job at the Derabis block office even into her seventh month of pregnancy, reportedly began experiencing intense labor pains during work hours.

According to Barsha’s statement, when she urgently requested to be taken to the hospital, her pleas were ignored by the CDPO, who allegedly dismissed her condition and, reportedly, behaved unkindly. Barsha’s family eventually arrived at the office and rushed her to a private hospital, but it was too late—the doctors confirmed that her baby had not survived.

The incident has sparked an outpouring of concern and sympathy across social media, where a video of Barsha in distress at her workplace has gone viral. In the video, Barsha is seen in visible pain, while a relative appears to be arguing with the CDPO about her treatment.

The CDPO, however, refuted any harassment by her and said the video that was circulated in social media was an edited one.

The state government has ordered a probe into the entire episode.

Social activist Namrata Chadha called the situation "inhumane," saying, “Every pregnant woman awaits her baby with hope. This is a deeply unfortunate and preventable tragedy.”

Barsha has since filed formal complaints with both the District Collector and Superintendent of Police, urging them to take strict action against the CDPO.