India’s Challenge in Achieving Maternal Mortality Targets by 2030

Context:
A Lancet study highlights that India may struggle to achieve the SDG target of reducing Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) below 70 per lakh live births by 2030, despite long-term progress.

Key Highlights:

Trends & Data

• MMR reduced from 508 (1990) → 116 (2023).
• SRS estimate: 88 (2021–23).
• India contributes to ~10% of global maternal deaths.
• Global maternal deaths: ~2.4 lakh (2023).

Causes of Maternal Deaths

• Major contributors:
  • Haemorrhage
  • Hypertensive disorders
• Together account for >40% of deaths.

Regional Disparities

• Southern states nearing SDG targets.
• Lagging states:
  • Assam
  • Uttar Pradesh

Impact of COVID-19

• Disruption of healthcare services.
• Slowed progress in maternal health outcomes.

Systemic Issues

• Weak primary healthcare systems in some regions.
• Data discrepancies:
  • UN estimate: 80
  • SRS estimate: 88 (2023)

Significance

• Reflects challenges in health equity and regional imbalance.
• Critical for improving women’s health and demographic outcomes.
• Linked to broader goals of nutrition, fertility, and child health.

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)
  • Number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3)
  • Target: Reduce global MMR to <70 by 2030.
• Sample Registration System (SRS)
  • Provides reliable fertility and mortality data in India.
• Major schemes:
  • Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
  • Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)

Relevant Mains Points:

• Public Health Challenges
  • Persistent gaps in maternal healthcare infrastructure.
  • Need for skilled birth attendance and institutional deliveries.
• Regional Inequality
  • Inter-state disparities reflect uneven health system capacity.
• Socio-Economic Factors
  • Maternal mortality linked to:
    • Poverty
    • Malnutrition
    • Early marriages
• Integrated Health Approach
  • Reducing child mortality lowers fertility rates, indirectly reducing MMR.
  • Importance of continuum of care (antenatal → postnatal).
• Governance Issues
  • Data discrepancies highlight need for robust health data systems.

Way Forward

• Strengthen primary healthcare and referral systems.
• Focus on high-burden states with targeted interventions.
• Improve nutrition and awareness among women.
• Enhance health workforce and emergency obstetric care.
• Ensure data accuracy and monitoring mechanisms.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS Paper 2: Health, Social Justice
• GS Paper 3: Human Development
• Essay: Women empowerment, public health