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From the Hindu:
"Sepsis after childbirth (post-partum) is emerging as a significant cause of maternal mortality in Kerala, raising questions about the quality of obstetric and postnatal care given to women and the efficacy of infection-control practices in hospitals. If in 2006 sepsis accounted for seven per cent of all maternal deaths and was its fifth leading cause, in 2009, it was the third leading cause, responsible for 8 per cent of all maternal deaths.

the fact that sepsis is gaining an upper hand should be a cause of worry for us because it is a clear indication of poor practice of aseptic techniques in the labour room, poor general hygiene in hospitals, and lack of an aggressive treatment approach to infections,” V. Rajasekharan Nair, senior obstetrician and Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Kerala University of Health and Allied Sciences, says.

Many senior obstetricians say that there are major hospitals in the State that do not have 24-hour water supply or even running water in operation theatres or labour rooms.

Shortage of cleaning staff is a major issue affecting the hygiene levels in most government hospitals."