The article begins by discussing the recent report on Maternal Mortality in India (2017-19) by the Registrar General of India’s Sample Registration System (SRS). In connection to this, definitions and terminologies related to maternal mortality such as Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), the role of the World Health Organisation, and a brief on the Registrar General of India are covered. The article then proceeds to explore India’s standing globally in terms of MMR, state-specific findings, related government initiatives, and future steps to be undertaken.
Understanding Maternal Mortality in India
Maternal death refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy due to any cause aggravated by the pregnancy or its management. The measure for such deaths is known as the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) which indicates the number of maternal deaths during a given time per 100,000 live births during the same period. This data was recently released by the Registrar General of India’s Sample Registration System (SRS), an instrument under the Ministry of Home Affairs that conducts the Population Census and monitors the implementation of the Registration of Births and Deaths in India.
India’s Position on Maternal Mortality
The MMR of India has witnessed a decline by 10 points, from 113 in 2016-18 to 103 in 2017-19 (8.8 % decline). This shows that India is on track to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals target of 70/ lakh live births by 2030, as well as our National Health Policy (NHP) target of 100/lakh live births by 2020. Many developed countries like Italy, Norway, Poland, Belarus, Germany, UK, Canada, and the US have successfully brought down MMR to single digits. Comparatively, India’s neighbors – Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan have a higher MMR. However, China and Sri Lanka are way ahead with MMRs of 18.3 and 36 respectively.
State-specific Findings and Achievements
There are seven states in India that have achieved the Sustainable Development Goals target; these include Kerala, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Gujarat. Kerala recorded the lowest MMR that places it ahead of the national MMR of 103. Nine states have achieved the MMR target set by the NHP, which includes the seven previously mentioned plus Karnataka and Haryana. The MMR in Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Punjab, Bihar, Odisha, and Rajasthan falls between 100-150, while Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam have the MMR above 150.
Government Initiatives for Maternal Health
The government has launched several initiatives to reduce maternal mortality. The Janani Suraksha Yojana under the National Health Mission links cash assistance to institutional deliveries. The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) provides comprehensive and quality ante-natal care free of cost to pregnant women on the 9th of every month. Other initiatives include Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Poshan Abhiyan and LaQshya Guidelines.
The Way Forward
Maternal mortality in a region reflects the reproductive health of women in the area. While the WHO has appreciated India’s efforts in reducing the maternal mortality rate, focused attention is required in states with higher MMR levels to ensure overall improvement across the country.
