The second wave of the pandemic has affected pregnant women much more severely than the first and also caused more maternal deaths, said the gynaecologists and obstetricians we interviewed across the country. But despite their heightened vulnerability, India’s vaccine policy does not allow pregnant women to be vaccinated and this needs to change, they said. The risks from Covid are far higher than the risks from vaccines, as we detail later.
More risks for pregnant women in COVID second wave
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In the past three months, 14 pregnant women have died in Kerala of COVID-related complications
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In the past three months, 14 pregnant women have died in Kerala of COVID-related complications The second wave of COVID-19 has been impacting pregnant women in the State quite adversely. A sudden increase in maternal deaths and a handful of near-miss mortality events among pregnant women in Kerala in the past three months following COVID-19 have sent alarm bells ringing, with obstetricians calling for close monitoring of all pregnant women contracting COVID-19.
“In the initial days of COVID-19, we were apprehensive about its impact on pregnant women but it did not pose a serious risk. But in its second wave, COVID-19 has been very aggressive and its presentation so different that we have been losing many mothers unexpectedly. We are extremely worried,” V.P. Paily, a senior obstetrician and the
Motorists may approach consumer forum, says RTI activist
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The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was duty-bound to ensure safe and smooth commuting along the corridor, especially since it collected hefty toll from motorists, said D.B. Binu, a lawyer and the president of RTI Kerala Federation.
“Aggrieved motorists can approach the Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission in different districts. Toll-related grievances too can be taken up in such forums, since user fee is collected for the specific purpose of ensuring seamless, safe and smooth commuting on the corridor. The consumer commission now enjoys wide-ranging powers, with the new Consumer Protection Act taking effect in 2019. Complainants can cite deficiency of service, physical discomfort, mental agony and also claim litigation cost,” he said.