The recent Sample Registration System (SRS) 2015-2017 bulletin for Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) reveals that India has significantly improved its MMR. The SRS data shows a decline from 130 per 1 lakh live births in 2014-2016 to 122 per 1 lakh live births in 2015-2017. This 8 points (or 6.2%) reduction indicates a prevention of around 2000 maternal deaths annually.
To facilitate a comprehensive analysis, the bulletin divides the nation into three categories – Empowered Action Group (EAG), Southern States, and Other States.
Understanding the Maternal Mortality Ratio
Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is an annual calculation of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. A maternal death is defined as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of pregnancy termination. This ratio serves as a critical performance indicator for evaluating the health and safety efforts for mothers before, during, and after childbirth.
Statewise Exploration of Progress
The SRS bulletin provides specific details on statewise progress. Kerala holds the leading position in MMR reduction (from 46 to 42), followed by Maharashtra (from 61 to 55) and Tamil Nadu (from 66 to 63). Among all the states, Karnataka showed the most substantial percentage decline in MMR.
Most noteworthy is the significant MMR decline in EAG States, from 188 to 175. Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan, UP, Uttarakhand, and Assam fall under this group. For the first time, the SRS bulletin released independent MMR data for Jharkhand (76), Chhattisgarh (141), and Uttarakhand (89).
Data Summary
| State | MMR 2014-2016 | MMR 2015-2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Kerala | 46 | 42 |
| Maharashtra | 61 | 55 |
| Tamil Nadu | 66 | 63 |
| Karnataka | N/A | N/A - Highest % decline |
However, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh reflect an increase by 15 points each in MMR.
Achievements of National Health Policy Targets
By now, 11 states have successfully achieved the goal set by the National Health Policy for MMR well before the target year of 2020. The policy aims to reduce Maternal Mortality Ratio to 1/1000 live births.
The Decline in MMR: Key Reasons Explained
The significant decline in MMR can be attributed mainly to the increased quality and coverage of health services via public health initiatives. Several such initiatives include LaQshya, Poshan Abhiyan, Janani Suraksha Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.
Furthermore, the implementation of the Aspirational District Programme and inter-sectoral action has enabled reaching the most marginalized and vulnerable population. The recently launched Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan Initiative (SUMAN) focuses particularly on zero preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
This continuous progress in reducing MMR will greatly assist the country in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 target of MMR below 70 by 2030.