Pune doctor helps woman deliver baby on road safely with support of locals

A doctor from Pune stepped in to help deliver a baby on the roadside with the assistance of locals, after a woman went into labour in the open, sparking concern over maternal healthcare gaps.

In Short

• A viral video showed women using dupattas to shield the delivery
• Dr Sunita Pote assisted the birth as onlookers watched anxiously
• National Commission for Women reacted to the incident

A woman gave birth on a roadside in Pune with the help of a lady doctor who, along with the help of locals, delivered the newborn baby safely.

The clip, which has been circulating across social media, showed several women forming a makeshift enclosure using dupattas to provide privacy as the delivery took place in the open.

Amid the tense situation, a doctor present at the spot was seen assisting the woman and later lifting the newborn, drawing visible relief and applause from the gathered crowd.

The video was also shared by Advocate Yashomati Thakur on X, where she claimed that the woman had approached a government hospital days earlier but was turned away due to the absence of certain medical reports.

According to her post, Dr. Sunita Pote rushed to assist the woman upon learning of the situation and carried out the delivery under extremely difficult conditions, helping save both the mother and the newborn.

She also acknowledged the role of another doctor, Sanket Ghode, and a blood bank that reportedly provided a unit of blood free of cost. At the same time, she criticised the state’s healthcare system, alleging a lack of seriousness towards maternal and newborn care, especially for economically weaker sections.

Watch the video here:

Following the incident’s virality, the National Commission for Women took suo motu cognisance, which is the authority of a court or government agency to initiate legal proceedings on its own initiative, without a formal petition or complaint.

In an official statement shared on its Facebook page, the Commission described the situation as “deeply concerning,” emphasising the apparent denial of admission and the resulting roadside delivery as indicative of serious gaps in emergency maternal healthcare.

The Commission stressed that every woman was entitled to a safe, dignified, and institutional delivery, adding that forcing someone to give birth in a public space amounts to a violation of her rights to reproductive healthcare, privacy, and dignity.

Authorities have also been asked to ensure proper postnatal care for both the mother and child, and to strengthen healthcare systems to prevent similar occurrences. A detailed action taken report has been sought within a week.

Take a look at the post here:

The incident led to a broader debate around access to maternal healthcare in India, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, with many raising concerns about infrastructure gaps and the consequences of administrative lapses.

- Ends