As Jharkhand approaches its year-end assembly elections, the state government, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, is actively promoting the 'Maiya Samman Yojana,' a women’s empowerment scheme. However, while this initiative aims to uplift women, the harsh reality on the ground tells a different story. Jharkhand’s healthcare system, especially in rural and marginalized communities, is crumbling, leaving many women without access to essential medical services. A recent incident in Ranchi has brought the severity of the crisis into the spotlight. On October 11, 2024, Gulshan Khatoon, a pregnant woman, was denied admission to Sadar Hospital despite being in labor.
With no alternative, she was forced to give birth on the roadside. Complications during delivery led her to be referred to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), but she was unable to secure an ambulance, further highlighting the systemic failures in the healthcare system. The shocking incident has drawn widespread outrage, with many questioning the efficiency of government services under the current administration. The ordeal has resonated deeply across social media, with citizens condemning the state’s healthcare system. Critics argue that government initiatives like the Maiya Samman Yojana may offer financial assistance, but they fail to address the fundamental need for reliable healthcare. One user pointed out that these schemes are redundant if women continue to face life-threatening conditions due to the lack of proper medical care. Another emphasized the plight of Dalits and tribals, recounting the tragedy of a woman giving birth on the roadside after being denied admission to a hospital.
Following the public backlash, the Jharkhand government has launched an investigation into the matter. The Deputy Commissioner of Ranchi has formed a committee to investigate potential negligence in Gulshan Khatoon's case. Although her condition is reportedly stable, the situation underscores the critical gaps in Jharkhand’s healthcare system, which could have led to far worse consequences. As the elections draw nearer, Hemant Soren’s administration is under increasing scrutiny. While the Maiya Samman Yojana may aim to empower women, the healthcare crisis in Jharkhand reveals deep-rooted issues that financial aid alone cannot resolve. Access to ambulances, hospitals, and basic medical services remains a significant concern, and critics argue that addressing these systemic flaws should be the government’s top priority.
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken this opportunity to sharply criticize the Hemant Soren government for its shortcomings in healthcare. BJP leaders contend that although the administration has introduced multiple welfare schemes, these initiatives have failed to bring tangible improvements on the ground. Local health workers and residents share similar concerns, emphasizing the need for effective implementation of healthcare services rather than focusing solely on financial aid programs.