Maternal mortality rate in Madhya Pradesh is still the highest in the country, concern remains despite improvement
Madhya Pradesh: A State of Maternal Mortality Crisis?
A Shocking Reality-Recent reports paint a grim picture of maternal mortality in Madhya Pradesh (MP). The state’s maternal mortality rate (MMR) is alarmingly high—159 deaths per 100,000 live births. This is almost double the national average of 88, highlighting a critical gap in healthcare access and quality.
A Stark Comparison-MP’s MMR significantly surpasses other states. While Bihar records 91, Rajasthan 87, Gujarat 55, Maharashtra 36, and Kerala a mere 18 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, MP lags considerably behind, indicating systemic issues.
Slow Progress, Urgent Action-While the MMR has decreased from 175 to 159 between 2019-21 and 2020-22, the improvement is far too slow. This sluggish pace means hundreds of mothers continue to lose their lives annually, necessitating immediate and decisive interventions.
Government Initiatives and Budgetary Allocations-The state government has launched several schemes like the Sambhal Yojana, aiming to improve maternal and child health. The budget allocated for these initiatives has increased, yet the impact remains limited due to weak monitoring and insufficient access in rural areas.
Addressing the Gaps in Healthcare Access-Essential prenatal check-ups, timely registration, and proper nutrition are crucial. However, many women lack awareness about these services. Improving accessibility and awareness is paramount to saving lives.
The Ground Reality: A Call for Systemic Change-The challenge lies in translating policy into tangible improvements on the ground. Many women in rural areas still face significant barriers accessing healthcare, including transportation, doctor availability, and medication shortages. Strengthening monitoring systems at the panchayat level is crucial to ensure that healthcare reaches every woman in need. Reducing numbers on paper isn’t enough; real-world change is essential.
