The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reacted to the maternal deaths in Bhilwara and Banswara districts of Rajasthan. Media reports highlighted that eight women, including a minor, passed away within a week after receiving treatment or childbirth-related procedures. NHRC has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of the Rajasthan government, demanding a comprehensive report within two weeks.
The NHRC expressed concerns about potential human rights violations if the reported incidents are accurate. The deaths at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Bhilwara and the District Hospital in Banswara have raised alarms. The Commission is particularly focused on ensuring access to safe maternal healthcare in the state, seeking details on the circumstances of the deaths and measures to prevent similar tragedies.
Maternal fatalities have persisted in Banswara, with recent reports indicating additional deaths. A woman died post-childbirth during the visit of Rajasthan’s Medical and Health Minister to the district. The situation in Banswara remains grim, with six postpartum women and three newborns reported dead in recent days due to various complications.
Severe anemia is suspected to have played a role in several maternal deaths, including the case of 20-year-old Shilpa from Kalakhunta village. The tragic incident unfolded as she delivered a stillborn baby before reaching a healthcare facility. Despite efforts to transfer her to Udaipur for advanced care, she succumbed to excessive bleeding and critical conditions.
