Why in the News?
The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India declined to 93 per lakh live births in 2019-21 from 97 in 2018-20, and 103 in 2017-2019, according to the latest data released by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
What’s in Today’s Article?
- About MMR (Introduction, Current Trends, Regional Disparities, Major Causes, Challenges, etc.)
Introduction
- India has made notable progress in improving maternal health, as reflected in the latest Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) statistics.
- According to data released by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, the MMR has declined to 93 per 1 lakh live births during 2019-21, down from 97 in 2018-20 and 103 in 2017-19.
- This sustained reduction highlights the combined efforts of government policies, healthcare infrastructure improvements, and increased awareness of maternal health services.
Understanding the Maternal Mortality Ratio
- The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is a critical indicator of the reproductive health of women in a country.
- It is defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births during a specific time period.
- Maternal death is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy or its management.
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations aim to reduce the global MMR to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. India’s declining trend is a positive step toward achieving this target.
Current Trends and Regional Disparities
- Despite the overall decline in India’s MMR, certain states continue to report alarmingly high maternal death rates. The highest MMR figures were recorded in:
- Madhya Pradesh: 175
- Assam: 167
- Uttar Pradesh: 151
- Odisha: 135
- Chhattisgarh: 132
- West Bengal: 109
- Haryana: 106
- The data also reveal that the highest number of maternal deaths occur in the 20-29 years age group, followed by the 30-34 years age group.
- These statistics underline the importance of focusing on women’s health during their peak reproductive years.
Major Causes of Maternal Death
- According to the WHO, more than 700 women globally die every day due to preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.
- In 2023 alone, maternal deaths occurred almost every two minutes worldwide.
- Key factors contributing to maternal deaths in India include:
- Complications during pregnancy and childbirth
- Unsafe abortions
- Lack of timely medical intervention
- Inadequate access to skilled healthcare professionals
- Low- and lower-middle-income countries, including parts of India, account for over 90% of maternal deaths globally.
Government Initiatives Driving Improvement
- India’s progress in reducing MMR can be attributed to various flagship programs and healthcare initiatives, including:
- Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA): Providing quality antenatal care to pregnant women on a fixed day every month.
- Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Promoting institutional deliveries to ensure safe childbirth.
- Ayushman Bharat - Health and Wellness Centres: Providing comprehensive primary healthcare services, including maternal and child health services.
- POSHAN Abhiyaan: Focused on improving nutritional outcomes for pregnant women and children.
- These schemes have enhanced institutional deliveries, expanded access to skilled birth attendants, and improved antenatal and postnatal care.
Challenges That Still Need Attention
- While the declining MMR trend is promising, several challenges remain:
- High MMR persists in economically weaker states due to poor healthcare infrastructure.
- Rural and remote areas still lack adequate access to emergency obstetric care.
- Awareness about government schemes and maternal health services remains low among marginalized communities.
- Addressing these issues is essential to sustain the momentum and achieve the SDG targets by 2030.
