Significant Decline in the Maternal Mortality Ratio(MMR) from 130 in 2014-16 to 97 per lakh live births in 2018-20: Health Minister

Source: The post is based on the article “Significant Decline in the Maternal Mortality Ratio(MMR) from 130 in 2014-16 to 97 per lakh live births in 2018-20: Health Minister” published in PIB on 1st December 2022.

What is the News?

The Office of the Registrar General of India has released a Special Bulletin on the Maternal Mortality Ratio(MMR) of India.

What is the Maternal Mortality Ratio(MMR)?

The Maternal Mortality Ratio(MMR) is defined as the number of maternal deaths during a given time period per 100,000 live births.

What are the key highlights from the Special Bulletin on MMR?

Maternal Mortality Ratio(MMR): It has declined from 130 per lakh live births in 2014-16 to 97 per lakh live births in 2018-20.

– Upon achieving this, India has accomplished the National Health Policy(NHP) target for MMR of less than 100/lakh live births and is on the right track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal(SDG) target of MMR less than 70/lakh live births by 2030.

Sates with lowest MMR: Kerala has the lowest MMR of 19 per lakh live births followed by Maharashtra at 33 and Telangana at 43.

States with highest MMR: Assam has the highest Maternal Mortality Ratio(MMR) of 195 followed by Madhya Pradesh with an MMR of 173 per lakh live births and Uttar Pradesh with 167. 

States which have achieved SDG MMR Target: The number of states which have achieved SDG MMR targets has risen from six to eight. These eight states are Kerala, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Karnataka.

Which are the steps taken by the Government to reduce the MMR in India?

Since 2014, under the National Health Mission(NHM), India has made a concerted effort to provide accessible quality maternal and newborn health services and minimize preventable maternal deaths. 

Government schemes such as “Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram” and “Janani Suraksha Yojana” have been modified and upgraded to more assured and respectful service delivery initiatives like Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan(SUMAN). 

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan(PMSMA) is particularly lauded for its focus on identifying high-risk pregnancies and facilitating their appropriate management. 

LaQshya and Midwifery initiatives concentrate on promoting quality care in a respectful and dignified manner ensuring the choice of birthing to all pregnant women.