Home / Health / Maternal Deaths Skyrocket: 53 Women Die in MP District
Maternal Deaths Skyrocket: 53 Women Die in MP District
4 Jun
Summary
- 53 women died during or after childbirth in Sidhi district within one year.
- Lack of awareness and inadequate medical facilities cited as primary causes.
- NHRC issued a notice to Madhya Pradesh's Chief Secretary for a detailed report.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated action following a report revealing 53 maternal deaths in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi district between April 2025 and March 2026. These fatalities occurred before, during, or after childbirth and are largely attributed to a deficit in awareness and essential medical services.
The NHRC has formally requested a comprehensive report from the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, to be submitted within a fortnight. The Commission views these deaths as a serious human rights violation. Sidhi district has a history of poor performance in maternal health assessments.
Most deceased women were young, averaging 26 years old, and many were first-time mothers. Reports indicate a severe shortage of doctors and specialists at local health centers. This forces critical referrals to a distant district hospital, posing significant risks during transit. Transportation challenges for pregnant women in remote areas are exacerbated by poor road connectivity, often requiring them to be carried long distances.
Political figures have reacted to the crisis. The Leader of Opposition welcomed the NHRC's intervention and called for a statewide review of maternal health services. The ruling party acknowledged persistent challenges in remote and tribal regions, particularly regarding specialized medical personnel, while highlighting government efforts to improve infrastructure and address public health issues like anemia and malnutrition.
