Maternal Health in India: Achievements and Challenges

A recent study in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women's Health has highlighted both the successes and challenges of India’s maternal health programme. While significant progress has been made, including a reduction in maternal mortality by nearly a fifth since 1990, the pace of improvement has slowed since 2015.

Key Achievements

• Steep decline in maternal mortality from 1990, particularly in the first 15 years of the 21st century.
• Increased institutional deliveries and public awareness.

Current Challenges

• India still accounts for one in 10 maternal deaths globally.
• Systemic issues hinder achieving the SDG target of reducing maternal mortality to 70 deaths per 100,000 births by 2030.
• Common causes of maternal deaths: haemorrhages, infections, and blood pressure-related disorders.
• The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities, redirecting frontline workers and delaying essential maternal services.

Government Initiatives

• LaQshya Programme: Aimed at improving quality of care in labour rooms.
• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan: Focuses on utilizing online portals and enhancing the role of anganwadi workers in monitoring pregnant women's health.

Implementation Challenges

• Varied efficacy of programs across states due to local administrative capacities and political will.
• States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and South India are on track, but others such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and others face significant gaps.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Strengthen primary and secondary healthcare to detect and manage complications early.
• Ensure functional emergency transport, well-equipped labour rooms, and access to specialists and blood banks.
• Policies should also address social determinants of health, such as nutrition and social agency of women.

The report emphasizes a comprehensive strategy that combines enhancing healthcare infrastructure with empowering women socially, which is crucial for long-term success in maternal health.