Phulbani: A woman gave birth to a baby boy under a tree alongside the main road while walking her way to a hospital Sunday, after the ambulance her family requisitioned did not arrive even after repeated calls Sunday.
The ambulance later took the newborn and the woman to the district hospital (DHH) in Phulbani. The mother and the newborn were reported safe now.
Family members said they called the ambulance after Puspanjali Kanhar, wife of Bijay Kanhar of Arapaju village near Sadar experienced labour pain. As there was no proper response from the ambulance service, and no other vehicle was available, the couple tried to take a long walk to the hospital. However, her labour pain increased along the way.
Bijay put her under a tree and provided her cover using tree leaves etc, and the delivery took place. Chief district medical officer (CDMO) Umesh Chandra Panda said he was unaware of the delay on the part of the ambulance service and would probe the matter.