The Times Of India, Nov 15 2014, Pune: The tragic death of 13 women, with more than 20 women presently in critical condition, at the government sterilization ‘camp’ in Kanan Penderi village of Bilaspur district of Chhatisgarh is yet another instance of serious violations of medical guidelines and brutal repression of reproductive rights and health of women in India said members of National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM). 

“It is a painful reminder of not just the inadequacies of our public health system but more importantly a reminder of the wrong focus of health programmes in India, which should focus on health of women, not just on sterilisation. In a state like Chhatisgarh, which has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality, the state government organizes such camps regularly with the motive to control population while turning a complete blind eye to other more important health care needs of women” alleged NAPM in a statement issued here. 

“We express outrage and strongly condemn the medical negligence and failure of the government to ensure safe health care to women. We demand an immediate and independent inquiry into the incident by a team comprising of women’s organisations and civil society networks working on health issues and its report be made public. We demand that stringent punishment be given, including disqualification of medical practitioners involved” said NAPM members in the statement.

Web: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/NAPM-demands-action-in-Chhatisgarh-case/articleshow/45158942.cms