Odisha parents mortgage ration card to transport newborn's body

A couple from the Nabarangpur district in Odisha was forced to mortgage their family ration card to secure a private loan to transport their deceased newborn's body home. The infant, born prematurely at seven months, passed away while undergoing treatment at Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital in Koraput.

The parents, Ambika Nayak and Nakula Bhatra, alleged that hospital staff denied them access to the government-funded Mahaprayan hearse service. They claimed staff suggested they either bury the child in Koraput and return by bus or transport the remains via motorcycle.

To afford the Rs 5,000 required for a private ambulance, the family mortgaged a ration card that supports seven household members. The remains were eventually transported to Daleiguda village for final rites.