The Karnataka State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights has filed a suo motu complaint in response to media reports highlighting maternal and infant mortality in the state. In a letter sent to the health and family welfare commissioner on Dec 24, Commission Chairperson K Naganna Gowda directed that a detailed report be compiled from all districts, outlining actions taken to address these fatalities.
Recent media coverage has brought attention to the deaths of lactating mothers and newborns across districts, including Bengaluru, Belagavi, Ballari, and Raichur. The Commission noted discrepancies in medications prescribed to pregnant women post-delivery and concerns about the administration of banned drugs. There have also been reports of expired or poor-quality syrups given to infants and children to treat fever.
Commission member Shekaragouda Ramatnal emphasized the need for accountability, pointing out the negligence of doctors and health officials despite the rising mortality rates. The Commission has called for a comprehensive investigation into these deaths and urged the government to issue guidelines to district health officers and medical staff to prevent such incidents in the future.
Recent statistics from the state health and family department reveal that over the past four years, 2,079 lactating mothers and 33,715 newborns have died. The state also faces significant challenges, with between 40,000 and 50,000 pregnant women suffering from anaemia and around 3 lakh children battling malnutrition. High-risk deliveries, primarily due to child marriage, anaemia, and malnutrition, total approximately 1.5 lakh each year.
The Karnataka Child Rights Commission is now calling for urgent action to address these critical health challenges and ensure better care for mothers and children across the state.
