Criminal act: Kerala Health Minister condemns families hiding women in need of medical care

This statement comes after a tragic incident in which a woman in Kerala bled for three hours and delivered a 4.1 kg baby at home without any medical assistance, despite the availability of nearby healthcare facilities.

"Our health workers reported that some families were intentionally hiding the women in need of medical care. In one tragic case, a woman bled for three hours and delivered a 4.1 kg baby without being taken to the hospital, despite available facilities. This is being treated as a criminal act," she said.

She emphasised that such neglect of medical care would not be tolerated and that strict legal action would be taken.

"Kerala has the lowest maternal and infant mortality rates, with advanced systems like genetic testing and newborn screening. It is unacceptable when people choose to avoid care. The police have registered a case and we are taking this matter very seriously. I have called a meeting tomorrow to analyse the legal issues involved in this," she added.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on March 1 criticised the Kerala government over the low honorarium of ASHA workers in the state, calling their ongoing protest a fight for "dignity and respect."

"It is appalling that women who are the backbone of society should have to beg for their rights like this. Instead of justice, all they have got from the Kerala government is apathy and attempts to silence them," the Congress leader wrote in a post on X.

The Wayanad MP pointed out that while ASHA workers in Karnataka and Telangana receive higher wages, those in Kerala are paid a meagre Rs 7,000.

While expressing solidarity with the protesting workers, she reiterated that the Congress-led UDF would ensure better wages and due recognition for them if voted to power in the state.

Highlighting the crucial role of ASHA workers in India's public healthcare system, Priyanka also noted that they have been on the frontline during crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and have ensured healthcare access for marginalised communities.

"ASHA workers are one of the greatest strengths of our public health system, selflessly serving communities, especially in times of crisis. They became an integral part of India's healthcare network during Dr Manmohan Singh's first term as Prime Minister. From risking their lives on the frontline of the battle against COVID-19 to providing maternal care and health services to countless families across India, they have ensured that healthcare reaches even the most marginalised," read Priyanka Gandhi's post.