In 2018, 558 pregnant women died in govt hospitals of Delhi
NHRC takes cognizance, asks Delhi government to furnish report in 4 weeks
Healthwire Bureau
New Delhi: Nearly 558 women have died during pregnancy at government hospitals of New Delhi in 2018, the National Human Rights Commission revealed on Monday
The commission today issued notice to the Delhi government over the maternal moralities in its hospitals during 2018 following the complaint by an RTI activist.
“Let a notice be issued to the principal secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of NCT of Delhi, calling for report within four weeks,” NHRC said in its order.
“Take further notice that in default the Commission may go ahead to take such action as it deems proper,” the notice added.
The documents received under Right to Information Act revealed that the Delhi government has failed to save lives of women during pregnancy even as it has boasted of world-class healthcare facilities.
As per the complainant, Rajhans Bansal, the number of maternal deaths taking place in public hospitals is very high and alleged that no action had taken place after mortalities in several government hospitals of Delhi.
He has also highlighted lack of facilities including emergency care, bed capacity in general wards and ICUs in the hospitals run by Delhi government.
“Staff shortage, lack of equipment and furniture is worsening the situation,” the complainant said.
