Raichur: While the state is still reeling from multiple deaths of new mothers who underwent Caesarean sections at a govt hospital in Ballari last month, another alarming issue has emerged in neighbouring Raichur district, where 19 deaths of lactating mothers have been reported in the past two months.
Of the 19 deaths, Dr Surendra Babu, Raichur’s district health officer (DHO), said eight occurred at RIMS Hospital, while one each was reported at Sindhanur and Devdurg taluk govt hospitals.
The Raichur deaths have been attributed to various reasons, including haemorrhage and cardiac arrest, the DHO said.
“A team of investigators from the health department in Kalaburagi is examining these cases. A report will soon be submitted to the govt,” he added.
While the Ballari deaths were attributed to sub-standard IV fluids, the Raichur fatalities point to a broader malaise plaguing the healthcare system in the state.
Deputy commissioner K Nitish visited the Matamari Health Centre in Raichur on Monday, following the death of 32-year-old Ishwari, who succumbed to haemorrhage last Friday.
Meanwhile, social activist Mallikarjunagouda Patil has blamed negligence of health department officials for rising mortality among new mothers.
“Even though Asha workers reported multiple deaths, the officials concerned at DHO failed to initiate any preventive measure,” he claimed, linking the Raichur deaths to lack of timely action and oversight.
According to an Asha worker, 70% of the new mothers who died over the last one year in the state suffered complications following haemorrhage, with many of the victims hailing from rural areas.
