Pregnant ASHA Worker’s Death Sparks Outrage in Nabarangpur Over Alleged Medical Negligence
Nabarangpur, Odisha – September 1, 2025: Tension gripped Umerkote town in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district following the death of a pregnant ASHA worker, allegedly due to medical negligence and a delayed ambulance response.
The deceased, Dayamati Bhatra of Badabasani village, was rushed to Umerkote Sub-Divisional Hospital after experiencing labour pains.
Due to her critical condition and low haemoglobin levels, doctors referred her to the Nabarangpur District Headquarters Hospital.
However, the ambulance reportedly arrived after a prolonged delay, and Dayamati tragically died en route.
Her death triggered widespread outrage among locals. Family members and villagers staged a protest by placing her body on Dandakaranya Medical Road, demanding accountability and compensation.
The protest escalated, prompting police deployment to manage the volatile situation.
While some blame medical negligence, others point to systemic gaps in emergency response and healthcare awareness.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement, but the incident has reignited concerns over rural healthcare infrastructure and the reliability of ambulance services in Odisha.
