Question

What is the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in Kerala?

• A. 97
• B. 80.7
• C. 19
• D. 0.1

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 19

Understanding Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR)

• The Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births during a specified period.
• 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.
• MMR is a key indicator of the quality of healthcare systems and women's health within a region or country.

Kerala's Achievement in MMR

• Kerala has consistently achieved one of the lowest MMRs in India, comparable to developed nations.
• The figure of 19 (per 100,000 live births) highlights Kerala's remarkable success in maternal healthcare.
• This achievement is a direct outcome of the 'Kerala Model of Development'.

Factors Contributing to Kerala's Low MMR (Kerala Model)

• Universal Access to Healthcare:

  • Kerala boasts a robust public health system with widespread access to primary, secondary, and tertiary care facilities, even in rural areas.
  • This includes a strong network of Sub-Centres, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and well-equipped hospitals.

• High Female Literacy and Education:

  • High literacy rates among women contribute to better health-seeking behaviors, increased awareness about reproductive health, and better utilization of antenatal and postnatal care services.
  • Kerala has one of the highest female literacy rates in India.

• Strong Public Health Interventions:

  • Effective implementation of antenatal care (ANC), skilled birth attendance (SBA), and postnatal care (PNC) programs.
  • Nearly 100% institutional deliveries, ensuring births take place in medical facilities under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals.
  • Availability of emergency obstetric and neonatal care (EMONC) services.

• Social Determinants of Health:

  • Better socio-economic status, improved nutrition, and overall higher living standards compared to many other Indian states.
  • Emphasis on equitable distribution of social services.

Comparative Facts and Importance for Exams

• The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 3.1 aims to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. Kerala has already surpassed this target.
• As per the Special Bulletin on Maternal Mortality in India 2018-2020 by the Registrar General of India, the National MMR of India was 97 per 100,000 live births.
• Kerala, along with Maharashtra and Telangana, are among the states that have achieved the SDG target for MMR.
• The consistent low MMR in Kerala is often cited as a prime example of the success of the 'Kerala Model of Development', which prioritizes social indicators over rapid economic growth.