You're reading: Tainted IV fluid kills 12 pregnant women in India

JAIPUR, India (AP) — Police and health authorities say they are investigating reports that 12 pregnant women died after being given contaminated intravenous fluid at a government hospital in northwestern India.

Police say 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 Friday after being given the fluid in the maternity ward and doctors were battling to save their lives.

Tens of thousands of women die in India each year during pregnancy or childbirth because of limited access to emergency care.