Question

What is the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) at the national level in India?

• A. 19
• B. 97
• C. 48.7
• D. 7.8

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 97

Understanding Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR)

• The Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
• It is a crucial indicator reflecting the quality of maternal healthcare services and the overall health system within a country or region.
• A maternal death is the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes.

India's National MMR and Recent Trends

• As per the Special Bulletin on Maternal Mortality in India 2018-2020, released by the Registrar General of India (RGI), India's national Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) stands at 97 per 100,000 live births.
• This data is derived from the Sample Registration System (SRS), which provides robust estimates of fertility and mortality indicators.
• India has shown a significant and consistent decline in MMR over the years:
  • 130 in 2014-16
  • 122 in 2015-17
  • 113 in 2016-18
  • 103 in 2017-19
  • 97 in 2018-20
• This represents a remarkable decline of 25% from 2014-16 to 2018-20, indicating substantial progress in maternal healthcare.
• India is on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 3.1, which aims to reduce the global MMR to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.

Key Factors Contributing to MMR Decline in India

• The consistent decline in MMR can be attributed to several government initiatives and improved healthcare access:
  • The Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) provides free treatment for pregnant women and sick neonates.
  • The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a cash incentive scheme to promote institutional deliveries.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) ensures at least one antenatal check-up by a doctor/specialist during the second/third trimester on the 9th of every month.
  • The LaQshya Program focuses on improving the quality of care in labor rooms and maternity operation theatres.
  • Increased emphasis on institutional deliveries (births in healthcare facilities rather than at home), which significantly reduces the risk of maternal complications and deaths.
  • Improved access to comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care services.
  • Better nutrition and awareness campaigns for pregnant women.

Regional Disparities in MMR within India

• Despite the national improvement, there are significant disparities in MMR across Indian states.
• States that have already achieved the SDG target of less than 70 MMR include:
  • Kerala (19)
  • Maharashtra (33)
  • Telangana (43)
  • Andhra Pradesh (45)
  • Tamil Nadu (54)
  • Jharkhand (61)
  • Gujarat (70)
• States belonging to the Empowered Action Group (EAG), which traditionally have higher fertility and mortality rates, still record higher MMR:
  • Assam (195)
  • Madhya Pradesh (173)
  • Uttar Pradesh (167)
  • Rajasthan (141)
  • Odisha (119)
  • Bihar (118)
  • Chhattisgarh (137)
  • Uttarakhand (105)
• The variation highlights the need for targeted interventions in high MMR states to ensure equitable health outcomes across the nation.