No Decline In Maternal Mortality Rate

Although India has witnesses a reduction in maternal mortality rate by 65%, statistics paint a gloomy picture.
17% of global maternal deaths happen in India. India, together with Nigeria accounted for about 1/3rd of the deaths.
The MMR of 190 last year is much higher than the target of below 100 by 2012.
The expected annual mortality rate decline of 5.5 % or more to reach the Millennium Development Goal 5 target is yet to be achieved.
While the reasons for the deaths are severe bleeding and infections, high blood pressure during pregnancy and so on, the main factor is the lack of skilled care before, during of after labour.
This can be combated by having more institutional deliveries.
Despite the govt launching one such program in 2005, since most of the deaths in states such as Rajasthan, Bihar and UP happened inside their homes, mortality rate has not come down.
Efforts must be directed towards increase the number of well-trained birth attendants along with promoting institutional deliveries.
Non-availability of sufficient workers at primary care levels, equipments and their supply.
Read at: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/no-reason-to-cheer/article6035161.ece

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