Bhubaneswar: While Odisha has recorded an improvement in the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in the country during 2015-17, there is a need to bridge the gaps in ante natal and post natal care in the state to tally with the national average. Odisha still has the 5th highest MMR in the country.
As per the latest Sample Registration Survey (SRS) 2015-17 released recently, the MMR in the State has declined to 168 per lakh from 180 per lakh in 2014-16. Odisha's MMR improved by 12 points during the period 2015-17. The national average MMR is 122 per lakh births. The report has been released by Registrar General of India (RGI)
An analysis of maternal deaths in Odisha reveals that most deaths in the State take place either due to delivery-related complications or lack of proper post natal care. Reports available with the State Health department reveal that nearly half of the deaths were reported in home deliveries. And nearly 3 in every 5 deaths were attributed to poor post natal care. It was also observed that a proper ante-natal care could prevent the deaths due delivery-related complications.
Sample how gaps exist in Odisha's Ante Natal Care (ANC) umbrella. When a total of 2.36 lakh expectant mothers have registered themselves during the period April - July 2019for ante-natal checkups, only 1.79 lakh have availed four or more such ante natal check-ups.
Similarly, the coverage under distribution of 180 IFA (Iron Folic acid) tablets stood at around 73 per cent of total ANC registrations in 2018-19.
Moreover, the proportion of institutional deliveries in the State stood at around 96 per cent. And 41 per cent of home deliveries were not attended by SBA (skilled birth attendants).
In order to bring an effective reduction in MMR, the State has to address the above indicators, observed a recent NRHM report.