Jharsuguda: A heart-breaking incident from Jharsuguda district has exposed the helplessness of poor families and alleged gaps in the health system. Naresh Chhatria of Odiapali village under Bhatlaida panchayat in Laikera block was forced to carry his wife’s body home on a neighbor’s bike after he could not arrange a hearse van or ambulance.
According to family members, Yamuna Chhatria fell ill on Saturday morning and was rushed to the Mudrajora Community Health Center. Doctors there declared her dead on arrival. Naresh then approached the hospital authorities seeking a hearse van to take the body back home.
He alleged that no vehicle was made available and he received no help from the administration. After waiting for hours and making several requests, Naresh finally placed his wife’s body on a bike and returned to Odiapali village.
“I did not get an ambulance or a hearse. I am forced to take my wife’s body home on a bike,” Naresh said.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism over the lack of basic facilities at community health centers. Jharsuguda CDMO Dr Shakti Prakash Padhi has reacted to the matter. He said that since it was a case of sudden death, the doctor had advised for a post-mortem, but the family refused and left after submitting an undertaking.
Dr. Padhi added that he will personally visit the health centre and investigate the matter, and assured that strict action will be taken if any negligence found.
The visuals of a husband carrying his wife’s body on a bike have once again raised questions about dignity in death for poor families in rural areas.
