The number of women dying in childbirth has risen dramatically as maternity units struggle to cope with rising number of older mothers and more complex cases, research has found.
A study of deaths found the rate of maternal deaths in London has doubled in five years, reaching twice the rate in the rest of the UK. Researchers said such cases were linked to increased numbers of older mothers, rising obesity and the use of fertility treatment, as well as to social deprivation and higher proportions of ethnic minorities – all trends which are sharpest in the capital, but increasing across the UK.
In many cases, problems occurred when junior doctors were not properly supervised, or did not recognise the limits of their abilities, separate research into 34 deaths in London found. Prof Cathy Warwick, general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “Across the country, two factors are combining: maternity services are under pressure from a steadily rising birth rate while dealing with far more women with complex pregnancies.” She said the trend was most acute in the capital, but seen across the UK, especially in cities. The research, published in The Lancet, found maternal mortality in London rose from fewer than 10 deaths per 100,000 maternities in 2005/2006 to 20 deaths per 100,000 in 2010/2011.
Zarif’s 36th death anniversary observed: The 36th death anniversary of versatile actor and comedian Munawar Zarif observed on April 29. Munawar Zarif was a famous Pakistani comedian and film actor. He was a versatile actor and comedian best known for his work in the Pakistani cinema of the seventies. Zarif is widely regarded as one of the finest comedians subcontinent ever produced and appeared in more than 300 films. He was born on 2 February 1940 in Gujranwala. He started his film career from a Punjabi film `Dandian’ in 1961 and got breakthrough from film `Hath Jori’ in 1964.
After a marvelous film career as a top comedian, he became film hero — first as side-hero in film `Pardey mein rehney doe’ and then in the title roles and hero in the same year `Banarsi Thugg’ (1973) and `Jeera Blade’ (1973).
He appeared in more than 300 films in just 16 years from 1961-76. He was also famous for his out of script dialogue delivery. Munawar Zarif died on 29 April 1976.
Contempt issue now part of parliamentary proceedings Ibrahim: Renowned lawyer Fakhruddin G Ibrahim on Sunday said the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is limited in cases of contempt.
He said the matter is over according to the Constitution as now it is the part of parliamentary proceedings.
Talking to a private news channel, he said according to the Constitution, the matter is first referred to the Speaker National Assembly, who sends it to Chief Election Commissioner, which also takes three months.
He said it may also be debated in the National Assembly before referring it to Election Commission. He said it is not jurisdiction of the court to send the matter of disqualification of the Prime Minister to the Speaker. It may be raised by any member in the House, he added. He made it clear that there is also a right to appeal against the verdict of court, therefore, it is a lengthy process.
