26-04-2025
Improved care brings down infant, maternal deaths in Madurai
Madurai: Improved awareness around maternal health, even in rural areas, has led to a growing preference for deliveries at tertiary care hospitals, both government and private, across Madurai district. Health officials say this shift has contributed to a notable decline in infant and maternal mortality rates. Meanwhile, teen pregnancy remains a concern, even as the overall live births saw a decline in 2024-2025.
According to official data accessed by TOI, live births in the district dropped from around 40,000 in 2023–24 to 36,000 in 2024–25. The
Infant Mortality Rate
(IMR) fell to 8.2 per 1,000 live births, while the
Maternal Mortality Rate
(MMR) declined to 22 per 1 lakh live births. The number of infant deaths decreased from 385 to 298, and maternal deaths halved from 16 to 8 during the same period.
"All high-risk and C-section cases are now referred to tertiary care centres," said Dr P Kumaragurubaran, deputy director of health services, Madurai. "High-risk pregnancies have risen by 35%, making specialist care essential. Families increasingly prefer the presence of a gynaecologist and paediatrician during deliveries."
Normal deliveries continue in Primary Health Centres (PHCs), but their share has sharply declined—only 606 deliveries were recorded in 2024–25. While staff availability isn't a major issue, patients often perceive PHCs as lacking in quality care. "Only PHCs in underserved areas still see regular deliveries," said a health official, noting that government hospitals still handle more deliveries than private ones in the district.
Health activist C Anand Raj highlighted gaps in PHC infrastructure, calling for more staff and better facilities. "Vacancies must be filled, and schemes like the Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme need to be fully implemented. Though ultrasound machines are being introduced in PHCs, trained radiologists are lacking," he said.
Teen pregnancy still remains a concern. The rate rose to 1.71% in 2024–25 from 0.97% the previous year, with cases increasing from 450 to 675. In such instances, doctors notify the Social Welfare Department and the police for follow-up action.
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