A heartwarming incident unfolded at Virangana Laxmibai Jhansi Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday when a pregnant woman unexpectedly went into labour on the platform. In a rare and brave display of quick action and medical skill, Major Rohit Bachwala, an Indian Army doctor, successfully conducted a childbirth using just a pocket knife and hair clips.
Army Doctor Saves the Day
Major Rohit, 31, who serves at the Military Hospital in Jhansi, was waiting for a train to Hyderabad when he noticed the woman crying out in severe pain. Her husband had already raised an SOS via the Rail Madad App, and the family was deboarded from the Panvel-Gorakhpur Express (15066). Without hesitation, Major Rohit rushed in to assist.
“A woman TTE was taking the pregnant lady on a wheelchair. As she screamed in pain near the footover bridge, I rushed towards her. With limited tools and knowledge from my Army training, I helped deliver the baby,” he told TOI.
Makeshift Tools, Successful Delivery
With no time to spare and barely any medical tools, Major Rohit used a pocket knife, hair clips, a dhoti for privacy, and gloves provided by the railway staff. His swift response ensured a safe and hygienic delivery.
After the successful birth, the mother and newborn were quickly shifted to a nearby hospital via ambulance. Both were reported stable and healthy.
Indian Army and Railways Applaud the Hero
The Indian Army proudly acknowledged Major Rohit's courageous act, stating:
“Today, an Army doctor, Major Rohit, of Military Hospital, Jhansi, successfully conducted childbirth at the railway station in Jhansi. The doctor present at the station responded swiftly when a pregnant woman went into unexpected labour on the platform. Without any delay and using minimal resources, the Army doctor ensured safe delivery, providing vital medical assistance in a challenging environment. Both the mother and newborn were reported to be in stable condition due to his timely intervention.”
The Jhansi Division of North Central Railway also issued a statement confirming the prompt response from their control room and staff:
"Railways was informed about the pregnant woman passenger, who had sought medical assistance through the Rail Madad app. Promptly, the Jhansi control room was activated and a team was quickly prepared for medical assistance. As soon as the train reached Veerangana Laxmibai Jhansi station, the female passenger was attended to by a railway medical team and railway ticket checking staff."
