State's maternal mortality ratio drops to all-time low of 18
Kerala's maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has dropped to an all-time low of 18 (per one lakh live births), according to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) special bulletin on maternal mortality in India (2020-22), brought out by the office of the Registrar General of India.
According to the SRS bulletin (2020-22), Kerala's MMR dropped two points from 20 in 2019-21 to the current level of 18. While the SRS figures will be quoted as the official stats, Health department officials point out that the figure cannot be further from reality, considering the fact that Kerala had lost 97 pregnant women to COVID during the survey period.
Before the pandemic, Kerala had achieved an MMR of 30 by 2020, one of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, that too, one year ahead. However, during the second wave of COVID, the MMR rose significantly, almost doubling, when compared to the pre-pandemic levels. Health department's official figures say that the first two waves of COVID claimed 97 maternal lives in Kerala
On an average, some 120-140 maternal deaths are annually reported in the State. But in 2021-22, the number of maternal ḍeaths rose to 220 on account of COVID.
'Kerala's MMR, according to the line list data the Health department collectS from districts and as reported in the HMIS (Health Management Information System) portal, rose sharply to 51 in 2021-22 because the number of maternal deaths shot up to 220. This dipped to 28 in 2022-23 as soon as COVID waves receded,' a senior Health official pointed out.
Kerala's current MMR (2023-24), stands at 32, as per the Health department's stats, he added.
While the SRS figures are arrived at using the sample survey system, the Health department goes by the actual line list of maternal deaths it gathers from districts and hence both figures are always at variance.
Despite the variance in SRS data and the State Health department's data, Kerala, however continues to hold its prime position of having the lowest MMR, thanks to the targeted quality improvement initiatives it has implemented over the past decade or more to reduce maternal deaths.
However, safe motherhood continues to be a goal that the State cannot take its eyes off because the last mile reduction of causes leading to maternal deaths has been getting increasingly difficult, given the changing lifestyle, higher age at parity and the rising burden of chronic conditions including obesity, diabetes and hypertension in women.
'Annual child births have been declining steadily in Kerala and as of 2023-24, we had just 3,74,078 child births (HMIS data). Given that MMR is calculated as a proportion of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births, our MMR figure is unlikely to dip further,' the official added
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Pre-monsoon humidity triggers seasonal ailments across Bhopal
Bhopal: As the state capital awaits monsoon, the city's hospitals are witnessing a sharp uptick in outpatient visits, with seasonal ailments. The combination of rising humidity and fluctuating temperatures has created an ideal breeding ground for infections, prompting health experts to urge people towards preventive care. Doctors across govt and private hospitals report a spike in gastrointestinal issues, viral fevers, sore throats, and in some cases skin infections. "Warm and moist conditions are adding to cases of cough and cold infection. It is across all ages not limited among children and the elderly," said Dr Rajiv Singh, a city-based physician. Large number of OPD cases are being attributed to fever, cough, sore throat. The intermittent pre-monsoon showers have further complicated matters by encouraging mosquito breeding, raising concerns over vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. Health officials warn that stagnant water in coolers, pots, and construction sites could become hotspots for mosquito larvae. Adding to the concern is the re-emergence of a Covid-19, which has been linked to a rise in respiratory infections. However, the spike has been limited in MP compared to other states. Experts are urging people to avoid sharing items like towels and to maintain strict hygiene protocols. The focus has shifted to monitoring symptoms like breathing difficulties, which can trigger respiratory infections.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
9 Covid cases reported in Ludhiana; cases rise to 47
Ludhiana: Nine persons tested positive for Covid in Ludhiana on Monday. According to the daily Covid bulletin of the health department, the patients include five men and four women. The men are aged 39, 69, 48, 67, and 73 years while the female patients are aged 10, 48, 60, and 65 years. A total of 47 cases have been reported in Ludhiana till Monday. Of these, there are 22 active cases. A total of 20 patients are in home isolation and two are in hospital. A total of 23 individuals have completed home quarantine. Meanwhile, a public advisory released by the department concerned said that due to a slight rise in Covid-19 cases in a few parts of the country, a precautionary advisory was being issued. "Though the situation in the state of Punjab is under control and the health system is fully prepared, citizens are advised to follow basic safety measures to help prevent the spread of infection," it added. Do's: Elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and people with health issues should wear a mask in crowded or closed places. Healthcare staff should wear masks and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Cover your mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing using a handkerchief, tissue, or the fold of your elbow. If you feel sick (fever, cough, breathing trouble), wear a mask and visit a doctor. Don'ts: Avoid crowded or poorly ventilated places, especially if you have health problems. Don't touch your face without washing your hands. Don't spit in public. Avoid self-medication for respiratory symptoms. MSID:: 121887057 413 |
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Kishan inspects Gandhi Hospital, reviews staffing & facilities
Hyderabad: Union minister and state BJP president G Kishan Reddy on Monday conducted a detailed inspection of Gandhi Hospital, assessing its infrastructure, staffing and services. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He sought details about the hospital premises and various departments from the hospital superintendent and other medical personnel. He also visited the oxygen plant set up during the Covid-19 pandemic. The minister assessed the condition of the hospital buildings and their maintenance, and recommended improvements to the drainage system. He inquired about existing vacancies, the total number of medical staff, the shortfall in doctors, and the number of currently practising doctors. He also reviewed the types of surgeries being performed and the surgical services available. Additionally, he inquired about the diagnostic facilities, the range of medical tests conducted, and overall testing capacity. Kishan Reddy interacted with patients to understand the quality of medical services being provided. Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, he asked about the process of conducting medical tests, sanctioned posts, staff appointments, and various staff categories. He further discussed with hospital staff the most commonly reported cases, those currently being treated, and whether all necessary diagnostic tests are being conducted at the facility.
