Question

How does Kerala's percentage of live births without qualified medical attention compare to the national level?

• A. Kerala's percentage is much higher than the national average.
• B. Kerala's percentage is slightly higher than the national average.
• C. Kerala's percentage is significantly lower than the national average.
• D. Kerala's percentage is identical to the national average.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Kerala's percentage is significantly lower than the national average.

Kerala's Leadership in Maternal Healthcare

• Kerala's 'Kerala Model of Development' is widely recognized for its exceptional achievements in social development, particularly in healthcare and education, often at lower economic growth rates compared to other states.
• One of the hallmarks of the Kerala Model is its robust public health system, which ensures high access to medical services even in rural areas. This contrasts sharply with the national average, where access to qualified medical attention during childbirth can be limited, especially in remote or underserved regions.
• High literacy rates, especially among women, play a crucial role. Educated women are more aware of the importance of institutional deliveries and antenatal care, leading to higher utilization of qualified medical services.
• The state has a dense network of primary health centers (PHCs), community health centers (CHCs), and well-staffed hospitals across its districts, making healthcare facilities highly accessible.
• Effective implementation of government schemes like Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) and other state-specific initiatives has significantly promoted institutional deliveries by providing free services, transport, and nutrition support.
• Strong emphasis on public health education and awareness campaigns has also encouraged pregnant women to seek professional medical assistance for childbirth, reducing the reliance on traditional or unqualified birth attendants.
• Empowerment of women and their increased participation in decision-making within families contribute to seeking better healthcare outcomes for themselves and their children.
• As a result of these concerted efforts, Kerala consistently reports one of the highest rates of institutional deliveries (deliveries occurring in a health facility under the supervision of skilled birth attendants) and consequently, one of the lowest percentages of live births without qualified medical attention in India.
• This achievement also contributes to Kerala's exceptionally low infant mortality rate (IMR) and maternal mortality rate (MMR), which are comparable to those in developed countries, further underscoring the success of its healthcare model.