The latest Sample Registration System (SRS) bulletin, issued by the Office of the Registrar General, has spotlighted maternal mortality in India from 2016-18. Compiled under the Ministry of Home Affairs, this report documents the death of women while pregnant or within 42 days of pregnancy. These deaths, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), result from causes related to or exacerbated by pregnancy. The SRS is a comprehensive demographic sample survey providing detailed national perspectives on fertility and mortality, including maternal mortality.
The Role of The Office of The Registrar General
The Office of the Registrar General serves under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is tasked with conducting the Population Census and overseeing the implementation of Births and Deaths Registration across the country. The office utilises the Sample Registration System (SRS), the largest demographic sample survey in India. This robust system facilitates the generation of direct estimates of maternal mortality through a nationally-representative sample.
Verbal Autopsy: Understanding Mortality Causes
The Verbal Autopsy (VA) tools are routinely deployed to better understand the causes behind deaths reported under the SRS. VA instruments offer insightful cause-specific mortality profiles that are invaluable for policy planning and public health initiatives.
Trends in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)
Data indicates a gradual decline in the MMR in India – from 130 in 2014-16 and 122 in 2015-17, to 113 in 2016-18. MMR represents the number of maternal deaths during a specific period per 100,000 live births during the same timeframe. To put this into perspective, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to reduce the global MMR to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.
State-wise MMR Figures: A Brief Overview
MMR data differs significantly across states. Assam (215), Uttar Pradesh (197), Madhya Pradesh (173), Rajasthan (164), Chhattisgarh (159), Odisha (150), Bihar (149), and Uttarakhand (99) rank among the states with higher MMRs. Conversely, southern states report markedly lower MMR – Karnataka (92), Andhra Pradesh (65), Tamil Nadu (60), Telangana (63), and Kerala (43).
Government Initiatives to Reduce MMR
Government-led efforts like Janani Suraksha Yojana under the National Health Mission offer cash incentives to encourage institutional deliveries. The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) provides assured, comprehensive, and free antenatal care on the 9th of every month. Additionally, initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and LaQshya Guidelines play crucial roles in addressing maternal mortality.
The Path Forward: Addressing Maternal Mortality
Maternal mortality is a decisive indicator of women’s reproductive health in a region. Recognising this, the WHO has commended India’s strides in reducing maternal mortality rates. However, states with elevated MMRs require focused attention and concerted efforts to continue making progress towards healthier futures for mothers and children.
Last Modified: February 8, 2024