New Delhi, March 7th, 2011

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports alleging that 12 pregnant women at a hospital in Jodhpur, Rajasthan died due to administering of infected intravenous dextrose and ringer lactose fluids in a period of ten days.

The reports carried on the 25th February, 2011 also alleged that five other women under pregnancy were stated to be in a serious condition. The lab reports in the women and child wing of the state governments' Umaid Hospital confirmed that several batches of IV fluids manufactured by the Indore based company Parental Surgical India Ltd. and supplied by the Anshul Pharma were infected. Subsequently, an FIR was registered against the concerned companies. A three member panel of doctors is also reported to have been constituted to further probe the cause of deaths.

The Commission on the 1st March, 2011 observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise serious issue of violation of human rights of the women, who died due to the negligence of hospital authorities and the state government. Accordingly, a notice has been issued to the Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan to submit a detailed report in the matter within four weeks.