Death toll rises to 10 in botched sterilization surgeries in central India

Death toll rises to 10 after more than 80 women underwent botched sterilization surgery at a government-run health camp in India's central state of Chhattisgarh, local media reported on Tuesday.

More than 50 others are in hospital - at least 20 are in critical condition following the tubectomy operations.

Reports said there is medical negligence in the surgeries but officials deny. Four health officials have been suspended.

State-run sterilization camps are held to curb India's 1.3 billion population. Most of those operated on are women - many poor and often paid to be sterilized.

The camp was organized as part of family planning program. As per the program, the women undergoing operation get 1,400 Indian rupees (about 22.4 U.S. dollars).

On Monday, the women reportedly started complaining of pain and fever and were taken to hospitals in stretchers. Many relatives protested outside hospitals.

"Reports of a drop in pulse, vomiting and other ailments started pouring in on Monday from the women who underwent surgery, " Sonmani Borah, district commissioner said. Enditem