Government Faces Questions After Woman Gives Birth on Roadside in Rajbiraj

Dragon Media Correspondent

The government has come under criticism after a woman in Rajbiraj, Saptari, reportedly gave birth on a roadside after being unable to pay the amount required at a government hospital. Social media users have linked the incident to Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s election pledge that no one should be denied medical treatment because they lack money.

The woman, identified as 29-year-old Babita Kumari Paswan of Ward No. 14 of Rajbiraj Municipality, had gone to Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital. According to the report, she was unable to pay Rs 3,200 and later gave birth outside the hospital. Questions have also been raised over the conduct of hospital staff, and an investigation into the incident is expected.

Actress Reecha Sharma, Nepali Congress leader Ajaya Babu Shiwakoti and several social media users have criticised the government, questioning whether Shah’s campaign promises on access to healthcare are being implemented in practice. They have argued that poor and vulnerable citizens should not be denied treatment because of an inability to pay.

There is, however, a discrepancy over the amount involved. Some social media posts cited Rs 2,500, while the main report stated that Rs 3,200 was required. Further official clarification is therefore needed to establish the exact amount connected to the incident.

During the election campaign, Prime Minister Shah had presented access to medical treatment regardless of a person’s financial condition as one of his key agendas. The Rajbiraj incident has therefore intensified pressure on the government to translate that commitment into practice.

The case has also raised broader concerns about emergency and maternity care in government hospitals, the healthcare rights of economically disadvantaged citizens and the responsibility of hospital administrations.