Bombay High Court Orders Audit of 30 BMC-Run Maternity Homes
The directive follows allegations of medical negligence after a pregnant woman and her newborn died during a power outage at a municipal maternity facility.
- The Bombay High Court has formed an eight-member panel to conduct a social audit of 30 maternity homes operated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
- The decision stems from a petition by Khusruddin Ansari, whose wife and newborn died in April 2024 due to alleged medical negligence at a BMC-run facility in Bhandup.
- The petition claims the hospital lacked adequate facilities, including power backup, leading doctors to perform surgery using a mobile flashlight during a power outage.
- The panel comprises experts in medicine, women's health, and community advocacy, including representatives from KEM Hospital, TISS, and other institutions.
- The audit will adhere to the Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative's standards, with findings to be submitted to the court within eight weeks.
Hindustan Times 
Free Press Journal 
