The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has recently initiated a new program titled, “LaQshya” (Labour room Quality Improvement Initiative). This program is aimed at enhancing healthcare quality in labour rooms as well as maternity operation theatres throughout public health facilities. By focusing on the improvement of care surrounding delivery, LaQshya hopes to lower the rates of avoidable maternal and newborn morbidity, mortality and stillbirths. A significant element of this program also includes ensuring respectful maternal care.
LaQshya Program Implementation
The LaQshya program is set to be implemented in several key public health institutions. These include Medical College Hospitals, District Hospitals, First Referral Unit (FRU), and Community Health Centres (CHCs). The primary beneficiaries of the program will be pregnant women and newborns who use these public health facilities for their deliveries.
To ensure a well-rounded approach, a multi-pronged strategy has been adopted under this initiative. This comprises of various factors such as infrastructure up-gradation, availability of essential equipment, provision of adequate human resources, capacity building of healthcare workers, and improving quality processes within the labour room.
The effectiveness and quality of improvements in the labour room and maternity OTs will be evaluated based on the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS).
Background: Achievements in Maternal Survival
India has made notable progress in bettering maternal survival over the past years. There has been a visible decline in the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) from 167 (2011-13) to 130 (2014-16), which marks an impressive reduction of 22%. The country is further dedicated to ensuring safe motherhood for all pregnant women across the nation.
| Year | Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) |
|---|---|
| 2011-13 | 167 |
| 2014-16 | 130 |
About Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)
The Maternal Mortality Ratio serves as a crucial performance indicator in attempts to elevate the health and safety of mothers throughout their pregnancy and post birth period. MMR is a measure of the annual number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. A maternal death is any death occurring during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy. By focusing on reducing the MMR, we are moving towards a healthier society where pregnant women and newborns receive the care and respect they rightfully deserve.
