LAHAN, March 9: The stigma of infertility still prevails in Madhesi society also. In many cases, infertility means that women even have to face domestic violence. A marriage is often considered a failure if there is no offspring. Many a childless woman has started looking to have a child anyhow.
On the other hand, there are those who conceive illicitly and are looking for facilities in the rural areas for a safe abortion.
Private hospitals have become a meeting point for fulfilling these differing needs. Operators of one hospital were recently found trafficking in a newborn infant under the cover of abortion.
It is learnt that the hospital not only charges the women for the purported abortions but also keep the newborn for subsequent sale to a childless women.
The matter came to light after police raided Luvkush Hospital in Lahan.
Last week, police confirmed the involvement of Luvkush Hospital in selling an unwanted baby to a childless woman, Deputy Superintendent of Police Uma Prasad Chaturbedi said.
Dil Kumari Chaudhary, the childlelss woman, auxiliary nurse midwife Shivkumari Chaudhary and community medicine assistant Usha Chaudhary were taken into custody, and Shivkumari disclosed to police the involvement of the hospital in selling such babies.
As per police investigations, the hospital is selling a baby girl for Rs 200,000 to 300,000 and a baby boy for Rs 300,000 to 500,000.
Subsequent police investigations uncovered a racket in purported abortions and trade in newborn. Pharmacies and ambulances were also found to be involved, according to police.
Police also said it will take some more time to unearth further details.
“Our investigations are still ongoing,” Chaturbedi said. “This is against humanity and illegal.”
According to him, those guilty will face action under anti-human trafficking law.
Hospital changes mom
Dil Kumari Chaudhary, 25, who was unable to conceive even after three years of marriage, was about to procure a newborn from the hospital.
The name and address of the baby’s actual mother is not what is mentioned in the birth certificate issued by the hospital. The certificate has Dil kumari’s name and address while the birth mother’s surname is Subedi, as per the hospital records. The mother of the newborn is said to be absconding.
The incident has raised the possibility that other hospitals and clinics may also be involved in such activities.
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