Is India forging a way towards an improved maternity healthcare system?

Swati Chaturvedi
Aug 31, 2018 · 2 min read

Maternal health is a term that is often confused with pregnancy and childbirth. But in truest terms, maternal health starts from the day a couple starts their family planning.

The number of women who died during a childbirth was estimated to be more than 50,000 in previous years. The recent reports on maternal mortality rate (MMR) prepared by the sample registration system (SRS) showed a sharp declination in the mortality rate from 167 to 130 i.e. 22% reduction.

The precarious situation in the maternal mortality rate is mainly prevalent in the rural areas. It is not uncommon for women in rural areas to share a singl beds after childbirth or travelling in an open cart while in labour. All these scenarios depict how backward the situation is still there even in this 21st century.

But thanks to numerous government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Maitritwa Yojana and various others that people are experiencing a huge change in the maternity services for both women and children.

There are various factors that pertain to high maternal mortality rate in India. Some of these are:

  • Lack of adequate medical facilities in the area
  • Inexperienced or local handlers who have no knowledge
  • Reproductive factors or health issues of mother that are not treated properly
  • Unhygienic health care facilities or the delivery systems
  • Illiterate mothers who are not aware of their condition
  • Socio-economic factors
  • No family planning or unplanned pregnancy
  • Illegal abortion

Janani Suraksha Yojana: Launched in April 2005 on the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi, it has its sole focus on providing a safe motherhood to the poor pregnant women residing in states having low institutional delivery rates. It aims to decrease neonatal and maternal deaths by providing the facility for healthy delivery of babies.

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matrutava Abhiyan: Implemented on 9th June 2016 this scheme was launched to ensure an early identification of high-risk pregnancy for the women in their 2nd and 3rd trimester under a specialist.

Mamta Sakhi: The scheme was launched to impart management of pregnancy, delivery and post delivery care to mother as well as baby.

Government is putting in best efforts to nurture the health of mothers and children in the nation. Aware the people about the importance of healthy maternal health for a developed nation.

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