India’s Recent Maternal Health Achievement
India’s Declining Maternal Mortality Milestone: India has recorded a significant decline in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) alongside a sharp rise in institutional deliveries reaching 89%. This improvement reflects sustained policy focus on maternal healthcare access and quality.
According to official health data, the MMR has fallen to 97 per 1,00,000 live births, marking one of the strongest public health gains in recent years. The progress positions India closer to global maternal health targets.
Static GK fact: Maternal mortality is internationally tracked as a key indicator of health system effectiveness and gender equity.
Understanding Maternal Mortality
Maternal death refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days after termination of pregnancy, caused by pregnancy-related complications or their management.
The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) measures maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births. In contrast, the Maternal Mortality Rate measures maternal deaths among women aged 15–49 years.
Static GK Tip: India monitors maternal mortality primarily through the Sample Registration System (SRS), a continuous demographic survey.
Trends in Institutional Deliveries
Institutional deliveries in India increased from 79% in 2015–16 to 89% in 2019–21. This rise has directly contributed to reduced maternal deaths through safer childbirth environments.
Several States and Union Territories including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry have achieved 100% institutional deliveries. Over 18 other States and UTs report coverage exceeding 90%.
Rural India records nearly 87% institutional births, while urban areas have reached 94%, narrowing the rural–urban gap in maternal care access.
Why Institutional Deliveries Matter
Institutional deliveries ensure skilled medical supervision during childbirth. They allow immediate intervention in cases of hemorrhage, sepsis, obstructed labor, or eclampsia.
Access to emergency obstetric care, blood transfusion services, and neonatal care significantly lowers maternal and infant mortality risks.
Static GK fact: Globally, institutional deliveries are considered one of the most cost-effective interventions for reducing maternal deaths.
Key Government Initiatives
India’s maternal health gains are driven by targeted government schemes. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) incentivizes institutional deliveries, particularly for economically vulnerable women.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) provides a ₹5,000 maternity benefit for the first living child. Under PMMVY 2.0, additional incentives are offered if the second child is a girl.
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) ensures free, quality antenatal check-ups on the 9th of every month. The LaQshya Programme focuses on improving labour room and maternity OT standards.
Capacity-building initiatives train doctors in Life Saving Anesthesia Skills (LSAS) and Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) to strengthen rural services.
Persisting Challenges
Despite progress, challenges persist. High out-of-pocket expenditure, sociocultural barriers, and delayed care-seeking continue to affect maternal outcomes.
The rise in high-risk pregnancies, linked to lifestyle diseases and late maternal age, increases complications. Remote tribal and hilly regions still face infrastructure and transport constraints.
Static GK Tip: Maternal Death Surveillance and Review (MDSR) helps identify systemic gaps to prevent future maternal deaths.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s Declining Maternal Mortality Milestone:
| Topic | Detail |
| Institutional deliveries | Reached 89% nationally |
| Maternal Mortality Ratio | Declined to 97 per 1,00,000 live births |
| Rural institutional births | Approximately 87% |
| Urban institutional births | Approximately 94% |
| SDG target | MMR below 70 by 2030 |
| Key monitoring system | Sample Registration System |
| Major incentive scheme | Janani Suraksha Yojana |
| Quality improvement programme | LaQshya Programme |
