NEW DELHI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an explanation from the Uttar Pradesh government over the deaths of 24 women during pregnancy-related treatment or childbirth at government and private hospitals in Ghaziabad between April and October this year.
Taking suo motu cognisance of a media report on the deaths, the Commission has issued notices to the Principal Secretary, Department of Medical Health and Family Welfare, Uttar Pradesh, and the Ghaziabad District Magistrate, seeking detailed reports within two weeks.
The deaths, reportedly recorded in a Health Department report, have raised concerns over maternal healthcare and the availability of timely emergency obstetric services in the district. More than 3,000 pregnant women in Ghaziabad have also been identified as having high-risk pregnancies, according to the report.
The Rajapur area accounted for the highest number of deaths, at eight, followed by Loni and Bhojpur, with five each.
The NHRC observed that the reported deaths, if confirmed, raise serious concerns over possible violations of human rights. It has asked the state authorities to submit details of the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
According to the media report published on November 3, excessive bleeding was the reported cause of 10 deaths, while three women died due to severe infections and three due to hypertension. The remaining eight deaths were attributed to other medical conditions, including anaemia, heart attack, tuberculosis and brain tumour.
The causes listed in the report point to the need to examine whether women received timely diagnosis, referral and treatment, particularly in cases involving obstetric emergencies and high-risk pregnancies, said a statement from the country’s top rights body.
Severe bleeding, infections and hypertension are among the major complications that can threaten a woman’s life during pregnancy and childbirth. Timely recognition and access to appropriate medical care are critical in preventing avoidable maternal deaths, noted the NHRC as per the statement.
The NHRC’s notices seek an official account of the deaths and the steps taken by the district and state health authorities, it said.
