Last Updated on June 2, 2026 7:27 pm by BIZNAMA NEWS
R. Suryamurthy
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of reports highlighting 53 maternal deaths in Madhya Pradesh’s Sidhi district over a one-year period and has issued a notice to the state government seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
The rights body acted on a media report published on May 29, 2026, which alleged serious shortcomings in maternal healthcare services and rural connectivity in the district.
In a statement, the NHRC said the reported deaths occurred between April 2025 and March 2026 and raised concerns about the availability of healthcare facilities, medical personnel and emergency transportation for pregnant women.
According to the report, the average age of the women who died was 26 years, with most of them being first- or second-time mothers. The fatalities were attributed to a combination of inadequate awareness, poor access to healthcare and shortages of medical professionals at Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and the district hospital.
The report further stated that critically ill patients are frequently referred to healthcare facilities in neighbouring Rewa district because of inadequate treatment capacity in Sidhi, increasing the risks associated with long-distance transfers during medical emergencies.
State Health Department data cited in the report indicated that Sidhi has consistently ranked among the bottom three districts in Madhya Pradesh under the Community Maternal Health League grading system, reflecting persistent shortcomings in maternal healthcare indicators.
The situation is compounded by poor road connectivity in several rural areas of the district. According to the report, many villages lack all-weather road access, making it difficult for pregnant women to reach healthcare facilities in time.
The report quoted ambulance operators as saying that during the monsoon season villagers are often forced to carry pregnant women on cots for two to three kilometres before they can reach an ambulance stationed on a motorable road.
Taking note of the allegations, the NHRC observed that, if found true, the circumstances point to serious concerns regarding the protection of the right to life and access to healthcare.
The Commission has directed the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh to submit a comprehensive report detailing the status of maternal healthcare infrastructure in Sidhi district, availability of medical personnel, emergency transport facilities and measures being undertaken to address the deficiencies. The state government has been asked to furnish its response within two weeks.