India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) declined to 93 in 2019–21, showing improved maternal healthcare. Regional disparities remain, with poorer states lagging. Government schemes, hospital births, better care, and awareness are key drivers. Continued investment in healthcare, accurate data, and addressing social factors are essential to sustain progress toward SDG targets.
Copyright infringement not intended
Picture Courtesy: THE HINDU
Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) continues to decline, reflecting improvements in women’s reproductive health.
It measures how many women die due to pregnancy or childbirth complications per 100,000 live births in a specific time period.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a maternal death as the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days after pregnancy ends, caused by issues related to pregnancy or its management, but not by accidents or unrelated causes.
|
Globally, in 2023, WHO reported that over 700 women died daily from preventable pregnancy-related causes—almost one death every two minutes. Over 90% of these deaths happened in low- and middle-income countries like India. |
High MMR points to problems like poor medical facilities, lack of skilled doctors, or inadequate care during pregnancy. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to reduce global MMR to below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. India’s current MMR is close to this target, and the country is on track to achieve it, possibly even before 2030.
According to the latest data from the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, released through the Sample Registration System (SRS), India’s MMR fell to 93 per lakh live births (or 93 per 100,000 live births) in 2019–21. This is down from 97 in 2018–20 and 103 in 2017–19.
In 2014–16, India’s MMR was 130, meaning 130 women died per 100,000 live births. By 2019–21, this number dropped by 37 points to 93—a 28% decline in just five years.
In 2000, India’s MMR was around 384, so the country has achieved a 75% reduction over two decades. This decline shows India is improving healthcare access and quality for pregnant women.
Women aged 20–29 face the highest MMR in India, followed by those aged 30–34. Most women in give birth during their 20s, so more pregnancies occur in this age group, increasing the number of potential complications.
Regional Variations
While India’s overall MMR is improving, some states lag behind. The data lists states with high MMRs in 2019–21:
These numbers show regional differences. For example, Madhya Pradesh’s MMR (175) is nearly double the national average (93). In contrast, states like Kerala (30), Maharashtra (38), and Telangana (56) have already met the SDG target of below 70.
Poorer states like Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh often have weaker healthcare infrastructure, fewer skilled doctors, and lower institutional delivery rates (births in hospitals). For example, a 2021 study noted that over half of maternal deaths in these states are due to obstetric hemorrhage (excessive bleeding), often because of delayed diagnosis or inadequate treatment.
Wealthier states like Kerala and Maharashtra, with better hospitals and more institutional deliveries, see fewer such deaths.
More Institutional Deliveries: The percentage of births in hospitals or clinics increased from 25% in 1993 to 89% in 2021. Hospital births are safer because skilled doctors and equipment are available.
Government Schemes:
Better Healthcare Access: More skilled birth attendants and improved antenatal/postnatal care have lowered risks.
Maternal Death Audits: These help identify why deaths occur, though less than 50% of maternal deaths are reported accurately.
Strengthen Healthcare in Poor States => Invest in hospitals, train doctors, and ensure emergency care in states like Madhya Pradesh and Assam.
Improve Data Accuracy => Enhance maternal death audits to capture all deaths and their causes.
Focus on Quality => Ensure hospitals have skilled staff and equipment, not just beds.
Raise Awareness => Educate women about antenatal care and safe delivery options.
Address Social Factors =>Tackle poverty, malnutrition, and early marriages, which increase pregnancy risks.
Must Read Articles:
REDUCING THE POOR'S HEALTH BURDEN
Source:
|
PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss the role of the National Health Mission (NHM) in transforming rural healthcare in India. What are the gaps that still need to be addressed? 150 words |
© 2025 iasgyan. All right reserved
