New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of reports that 53 pregnant and recently delivered women died in Madhya Pradesh’s Sidhi district between April 2025 and March 2026, allegedly due to inadequate healthcare facilities and lack of awareness.
The Commission has issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh chief secretary, seeking a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.
According to media reports, Sidhi has consistently ranked among the bottom three districts in the state’s Community Maternal Health League grading conducted by the health department. The NHRC observed that, if the reported facts are true, they raise a serious issue concerning the right to life and healthcare.
Reports indicate that the average age of the deceased women was 26 years, with most being first- or second-time mothers.
The reports also highlighted shortages of doctors and technical staff at community health centres, primary health centres and the district hospital. As a result, many patients were reportedly referred to medical facilities in Rewa district, increasing health risks during transportation.
Poor infrastructure has also been cited as a major concern. According to reports, several villages in Sidhi lack proper road connectivity, making access to healthcare difficult, especially during the monsoon. In some cases, pregnant women reportedly had to be carried on cots for several kilometres before reaching an ambulance.
The NHRC said it will examine the matter after receiving the state government’s response.
