Fifty-three women died before, during or after childbirth in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh between April 2025 and March 2026. The deaths occurred amid reports of overwhelmed hospitals, understaffing, and shortages of blood and medicines. Officials had raised concerns earlier but noted little improvement.
The women had an average age of 26, with the youngest at 19. Sixteen died at Shyam Shah Medical College in Rewa, 13 during transit, and 13 at home. Main causes included obstetric haemorrhage in 12 cases, hypertensive disorders in seven, and severe anaemia in five, according to maternal death records accessed by The Indian Express.
Sidhi District Hospital handled 10,022 maternity admissions and 5,922 deliveries in the period. It has only one anaesthesiologist and 22 staff members in the maternity ward against a needed 40. Referrals to Rewa reached 492, many for avoidable reasons tied to staffing gaps.
Families described struggles with transport and blood supply. One husband recalled his wife dying in his arms en route to care. Another noted paying extra for an ambulance after delays. State health officials cited a decline in Madhya Pradesh's maternal mortality ratio but declined specific comment on Sidhi.
