Patiala, Oct. 25 -- A recent review by the state health department has found that improper diagnosis and mismanagement by medical staff are the primary causes behind maternal deaths in Punjab.

The findings emerged during the state-level review of maternal deaths for July and August, held on October 8. The minutes of the meeting, accessed by HT, have been shared with district health officials.

The review also flagged two maternal deaths linked to anaesthesia-related negligence. Taking a serious view of the issue, the anaesthesiology expert at the meeting stressed that anaesthesia must be administered only by qualified anaesthetists, with continuous monitoring of patients during and after procedures.

Following the review, the assistant d...