Pregnant woman with 5 g haemoglobin taken to hospital from faith healing in Junnardeo

An eight-month pregnant woman in Junnardeo's Gorakhghat area had a haemoglobin level of only 5 grams, putting the lives of both her and her unborn child at risk. Her family, however, was arranging faith healing (jhad-phoonk) for her instead of taking her to hospital.

On receiving information about her serious condition, a Dial 112 vehicle and a health department team reached the village. Dial 112 pilot Jaipal Vishwakarma and police personnel Aniruddh Baghel reached the spot along with the health team.

The team explained to the family that such a low haemoglobin level in the eighth month of pregnancy was a serious condition. According to the team, it could endanger the lives of both the mother and the unborn child. After this explanation, the family agreed to take the woman to hospital. The team itself took her there and had her admitted, where doctors began treatment immediately.

Block Medical Officer Dr Suresh Nagvanshi said tests at the hospital found her haemoglobin level to be only 5 grams. He said doctors immediately transfused two units of blood, after which her haemoglobin level improved.

By Friday, her condition had improved considerably. A team of doctors is currently monitoring her continuously. Timely treatment averted a major tragedy.

The case highlights the lack of health awareness in rural areas and the dangerous consequences of superstition. Two lives were at risk because of it. The promptness of Dial 112 and the health department made it possible to get the woman to hospital.