Hubballi: Karnataka State Women’s Commission Chairperson Dr Nagalakshmi Choudhari visited KMC Research Institute (KMCRI) in Hubballi on Sunday and reviewed facilities at the hospital, including the mother and child ward.

Speaking to reporters after the inspection, she said that around 9 to 10 maternal deaths are being reported every month during or after childbirth at the institute. She added that directions would be given to the district administration to take steps to bring the number down to zero.

Dr Choudhari said she has instructed officials to submit a report within one month on maternal deaths recorded over the past year.

She noted that more than 1,500 deliveries are conducted every month at KMCRI and that patients from Davanagere and several other districts visit the hospital for treatment. She said the district administration would be asked to provide more facilities based on the growing number of patients.

The Women’s Commission chief also said she would inform the Chief Minister, Health Minister and the Chief Secretary of the Karnataka government about the demands and infrastructure requirements of KMCRI.

She further stated that complaints had been received regarding the behaviour of some hospital staff and instructions had been given to the institute director to address the issue.