New Delhi: The maternal mortality ratio in India has declined to 88 per lakh live births, the Union government informed the Lok Sabha on Friday.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel shared the figures in a written reply. She cited the latest Maternal Mortality Ratio bulletin for 2021–23 released by the Registrar General of India.
According to the government, institutional deliveries and improved maternal healthcare services have played a key role in reducing deaths during pregnancy and childbirth.
The minister said that more than 5.93 crore institutional deliveries were conducted across the country during the last three years. These deliveries were carried out in health facilities with trained birth attendants.
The government has implemented several initiatives under the National Health Mission to improve maternal healthcare. These programmes aim to reduce the maternal mortality ratio across states and union territories.
Major schemes include Janani Suraksha Yojana, which encourages institutional deliveries through conditional cash transfers.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram provides free delivery services at public health institutions. It also covers medicines, diagnostics, diet, blood transfusion and transport for pregnant women.
Maternal mortality ratio decline supported by health schemes
Officials said the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan ensures free antenatal check-ups for pregnant women on the ninth day of every month. Specialist doctors or medical officers conduct these examinations.
The Extended PMSMA strategy tracks high-risk pregnancies. It provides incentives for monitoring women until safe delivery.
Other programmes focus on improving labour room care and maternal services. The LaQshya initiative aims to improve quality care in labour rooms and maternity operation theatres.
The Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan programme ensures free and respectful maternity care at public health facilities. It also follows a zero-denial policy for services to pregnant women and newborns.
Health authorities have also strengthened postnatal care. Accredited Social Health Activists receive incentives for early detection and referral of high-risk postpartum cases.
Infrastructure improvements have also supported maternal health services. The government has upgraded First Referral Units and established Maternal and Child Health wings in hospitals.
Facilities such as obstetric high dependency units and birth waiting homes have been created in remote and tribal areas. These centres help pregnant women access timely medical care.
According to the government, antenatal care allows early registration of pregnancy, screening of complications and timely referral for treatment. Such interventions help reduce the maternal mortality ratio nationwide.
