The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Tuesday issued notice to health officials of Chamba in Himachal Pradesh asking for a report within four weeks on the lack of proper health care facilities in the district.
The NHRC took the action after taking suo moto cognizance of a media report, according to which people residing in remote areas of the district were not receiving medical care under the National Rural Health Mission while health workers were missing from the 20 health centres in the district.
"As a result, numerous pregnant women and newborn children are dying while lack of awareness about healthcare and related schemes is further adding to the woes of the people," said the NHRC in a statement.
"If the contents of the press report are true, it raises a serious issue of violation of right to life," it added.
The NHRC has accordingly served notice to the district magistrate and the chief medical officer of Chamba seeking a report within four weeks.