The death of a 24-year-old pregnant woman from the remote Aladandi Tola village in Etapalli taluka of Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district has triggered public concern and debate over access to timely healthcare in tribal and interior areas, even as the district administration denied reports of any lapse in emergency services.
The woman, identified as Asha Santosh Kiranga, was in her third trimester of pregnancy. Reports initially claimed that she died after walking nearly 6 km through forested terrain in search of institutional delivery facilities, leading to widespread criticism on social media and among activists.
Initial reports and public reaction
According to early accounts, Kiranga and her husband had walked from Aladandi Tola to the village of Petha on January 1, reportedly due to the absence of a nearby medical facility. It was alleged that exhaustion caused by the long walk in an advanced stage of pregnancy led to her death.
These reports prompted sharp reactions, with many questioning the state of maternal healthcare services in remote tribal regions of the district.
Administration denies negligence
However, the district administration has strongly refuted claims that the woman died due to lack of ambulance services or because she was forced to walk for medical treatment.
The district information office said that Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Suhas Gade and District Health Officer Dr Pratap Shinde visited Aladandi Tola and held detailed discussions with the family members, villagers and health staff.
Dr Shinde said the narrative that Kiranga walked 6 km for treatment due to the absence of an ambulance was “completely false”.
“In reality, the woman went from Aladandi Tola to Petha to visit a priest and stayed there overnight. Between 1 am and 2 am, she suddenly developed complications,” he said.
Emergency response explained
Dr Shinde added that once the situation became serious, the local ASHA worker was immediately informed and an ambulance was arranged without delay.
“The woman was taken by ambulance to Lloyds Kali Ammal Hospital in Hedri. Hence, the claim that she died because she had to walk 6 km is not in accordance with facts,” he said.
Officials also stated that ASHA and health workers had regularly visited Kiranga’s home during her pregnancy, conducted routine check-ups, assessed her condition and provided necessary guidance.
Call for timely medical care
CEO Suhas Gade said the administration treats maternal and child deaths in rural and remote areas with utmost seriousness and that every such incident is thoroughly investigated.
“In this case, emergency services were provided and no administrative negligence was found,” he said.
The district health officer urged villagers to avoid relying on priests, traditional healers or superstition-based practices during pregnancy or serious illness.
“Contact the government health system directly — ASHA workers, primary health centres or ambulance services. Timely medical care can save many lives,” he said.
The administration stated that while the sequence of events had been established, the exact medical cause of death was yet to be officially confirmed.