A notice from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was issued to the Madhya Pradesh government following 53 maternal deaths in Sidhi district. The NHRC acted in response to reports of pregnant women’s deaths between April 2025 and March 2026 due to a lack of awareness and medical facilities.
Sidhi has consistently ranked poorly in the Community Maternal Health League, highlighting significant healthcare challenges in the district. The NHRC has demanded a detailed report from the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary within two weeks to address the severe infrastructure deficiencies.
Leader of Opposition (LoP) Umang Singhar welcomed the NHRC’s intervention, emphasizing the gravity of the healthcare crisis. Singhar had previously raised concerns about Sidhi’s healthcare system in the state Assembly, leading to the current accountability measures.
The deceased mothers, with an average age of 26, were mostly expecting their first or second child. The lack of proper road connectivity in Sidhi often forces pregnant women to be carried on cots for kilometers during monsoon, exacerbating the challenges faced by the healthcare system.
Singhar called for a comprehensive review of maternal health services and infrastructure across Madhya Pradesh to prevent similar tragedies in other districts. He highlighted the systemic failures, administrative negligence, and the profound impact on families due to the maternal deaths.
