The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has proactively addressed a report from The Indian Express that highlighted the deaths of 53 women in Madhya Pradesh’s Sidhi district surrounding childbirth from April 2025 to March 2026. The NHRC has issued a formal notice to the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, requesting an in-depth report within a two-week timeframe.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Commission acknowledged the alarming circumstances under which these maternal deaths occurred, attributing them largely to insufficient awareness and inadequate medical facilities in the region.

The NHRC emphasized that the details of the report, if verified, raise substantial concerns regarding human rights violations. Consequently, the Commission has sought a comprehensive explanation from the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh within a specified period.

According to the NHRC, Sidhi district has frequently ranked among the lowest in the Community Maternal Health League table compiled by the State Health Department, indicating persistent healthcare challenges.

In reference to the reported findings, the Commission noted that the average age of the deceased women was 26, with many being first or second-time mothers. Furthermore, the report indicated a critical lack of essential infrastructure at Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres, and the District Hospital, which forces patients to be referred to distant medical facilities in Rewa District, often endangering their lives during transit.

The NHRC also pointed out the transportation issues encountered by pregnant women residing in remote villages. It cited an ambulance driver who reported that numerous villages are poorly connected by roads, necessitating that women be carried on makeshift beds for two to three kilometers to reach an ambulance, especially during the monsoon season.

Umang Singhar, the Leader of the Opposition in Madhya Pradesh from the Congress party, expressed support for the NHRC’s actions, stating that this intervention validated his previous concerns regarding healthcare services in Sidhi district. He urged the state government to conduct a thorough evaluation of maternal health services across all of Madhya Pradesh, rather than limiting the inquiry to just Sidhi.

In response, BJP spokesperson Hitesh Bajpai acknowledged the significant improvements in maternal mortality statistics over the past twenty years but recognized that substantial challenges still exist, particularly in remote and tribal areas. He noted that while the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has improved, issues such as shortages of specialized medical personnel, including gynecologists and trained midwives, complicate childbirth in these regions. The government is reportedly working to overcome these obstacles by enhancing healthcare infrastructure and increasing the number of medical colleges and personnel.

Bajpai also mentioned that maternal mortality is influenced by broader public health concerns, including anemia and malnutrition among expectant mothers. He highlighted that the BJP government is prioritizing enhancements in healthcare infrastructure and nutrition in tribal areas, understanding the unique difficulties posed by Madhya Pradesh’s large tribal population and the challenges of healthcare delivery in remote locations.

Anand Mohan J, an award-winning Senior Correspondent for The Indian Express, is currently leading the bureau’s coverage in Madhya Pradesh. With over eight years of experience, he has established a reputation as a reliable source on topics related to law, internal security, and public policy.

Based in Bhopal, Anand is particularly noted for his in-depth reporting on the Maoist insurgency in Central India. In late 2025, he provided exclusive coverage of the final surrender of Maoist fighters in Madhya Pradesh, detailing the behind-the-scenes negotiations and the circumstances that led to the state being declared free of Maoist activity.

Anand’s investigative journalism is defined by a commitment to holding institutions accountable and features comprehensive analyses across several critical sectors, including:

• National Security & Counter-Insurgency: He has documented the decline of Naxalism in Central India, analyzing the strategic changes implemented by security forces and the rehabilitation efforts for surrendered militants.
• Judiciary & Legal Accountability: With experience covering trial courts in Delhi and the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Anand critically examines complex legal decisions and has uncovered significant institutional failures, including custodial safety violations.
• Wildlife Conservation (Project Cheetah): Anand is a lead reporter on Project Cheetah at Kuno National Park, covering the challenges of reintroducing cheetahs and addressing wildlife trafficking issues.
• Public Health & Social Safety: His recent investigations have highlighted systemic failures in public health services, including incidents of contaminated blood transfusions and the impact of the fertilizer crisis on rural farmers.

Since joining The Indian Express in 2017, Anand has transitioned from covering high-stakes environments in Delhi to leading regional reporting in Madhya Pradesh. His notable investigations include exposing scams targeting entrepreneurs and reporting on environmental issues affecting local wildlife.