In a heart-wrenching incident from Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, Vipin Gupta reached the District Magistrate’s office carrying the body of his newborn, who died during delivery. Gupta alleged that the private Goldar hospital repeatedly raised medical fees and delayed treatment during his wife Ruby’s labour.
Despite paying ₹8,000 upfront, the hospital staff allegedly refused to start delivery without full payment, later forcibly evicting Ruby in critical condition. She was then rushed to another hospital, where doctors declared the child stillborn, citing incorrect medication at the first hospital. The District Magistrate ordered the sealing of Goldar hospital and promised full medical expenses for Ruby’s recovery. Officials have begun an inquiry.
Father’s Emotional Plea and Allegations of Hospital Extortion
Speaking to the media, Vipin Gupta recounted his traumatic ordeal, stating that hospital fees escalated from ₹10,000 for a normal delivery to ₹12,000 for a C-section as his wife’s health deteriorated. Requests to commence treatment while arranging funds were denied with dismissive remarks like “This is not a bazaar,” he shared.
The hospital allegedly forced Ruby out into the street amid labour pain. “My wife keeps asking for the baby who lies lifeless in a glass box. What answer do I give her?” Vipin tearfully told reporters. The family’s video pleading for justice quickly circulated on social media, evoking widespread sympathy and outrage.
Administrative Action and Hospital Sealed Over Negligence
Reacting swiftly to public outrage, the Lakhimpur District Magistrate Durga Shakti Nagpal instructed authorities to seal Goldar hospital post preliminary inquiry. All patients were safely shifted to the Government District Women’s Hospital for continued care. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Santosh Gupta visited the hospital to assess lapses and oversee a detailed probe.
The district administration has pledged to fully cover Ruby’s medical expenses; reports now show her condition stabilising. Officials emphasised strict accountability measures for hospital staff found culpable in negligence or extortion.
“In the case of the newborn’s death, the district administration has sealed Goldar Hospital. Admitted patients are being shifted to the District Women’s Hospital. On the instructions of the DM, ADM AK Rastogi visited Srijan Hospital, inquired about the condition of the expectant mother. Instructions were given for better treatment. The district administration stands with the affected family,” states the official X account of Lakhimpur DM office.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragic case underscores profound failures in maternity care and glaring inequities in healthcare access that often place vulnerable families in distress. Exploitative practices and denial of timely treatment not only breach medical ethics but deepen mistrust in public health systems.
While administrative responsiveness and hospital sealing demonstrate accountability, systemic reforms are imperative to eliminate extortion, ensure dignified treatment, and provide affordable maternal healthcare to all.
