Twelve pregnant women die in India

Police and health authorities were today investigating reports that 12 pregnant women died after being given contaminated intravenous fluid at a government hospital in north-western India.

Police said they have filed cases against the manufacturer and distributors of the tainted IV fluid after the young women died over the past 10 days at the hospital in Rajasthan state.

Hospital superintendent Narendra Chhangani said at least four other pregnant women were critically ill after being given the fluid in the maternity ward and doctors were battling to save their lives.