Maternal mortality in India

Good health for the mother is good for family and society.

Infographic - History of Maternal Mortality in India

Maternal mortality in India refers to the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is a key performance indicator for efforts to improve the health and safety of mothers before, during, and after childbirth per country worldwide. India, as a developing country, has been working diligently to reduce its maternal mortality rates through various health initiatives and policies.

Causes

The primary causes of maternal mortality in India include severe bleeding (hemorrhage), infections, high blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia), complications from delivery, and unsafe abortion. The lack of access to quality Obstetric care, inadequate Healthcare infrastructure, and socio-economic factors such as poverty, lack of education, and limited access to health services exacerbate these risks.

Statistics

As of the latest reports, India has made significant progress in reducing its MMR. However, the rates vary widely between different states and rural versus urban areas, reflecting disparities in access to healthcare services and socio-economic conditions. The government of India, along with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), has been implementing programs aimed at improving maternal health outcomes.

Government Initiatives

Several government initiatives have been pivotal in addressing maternal mortality in India. The National Health Mission (NHM), particularly its components like the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), have been instrumental. These programs offer financial incentives to women for giving birth in hospitals and ensure free antenatal check-ups, postnatal care, and transport services to pregnant women.

Challenges

Despite these efforts, India faces several challenges in further reducing its maternal mortality rate. These include improving the quality of maternal healthcare services, ensuring universal access to reproductive health services, addressing the shortages of skilled healthcare professionals, and overcoming cultural and logistical barriers that prevent women from seeking and receiving care.

Future Directions

The future efforts to reduce maternal mortality in India focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, enhancing the quality of care, increasing community awareness about maternal health, and leveraging technology to improve healthcare delivery. There is also a need for better data collection and analysis to inform policy and program decisions.