SHILLONG: In a development drawing concern, at least 877 newborns and 61 pregnant women have died in the state in the last four months from April till July.
DHS (MI), Dr Aman War, while stating the deaths were not due to COVID-19, said they comprise mostly children who were born at home and suffered from pneumonia and birth asphyxia coupled with lack of medical attention.
“We want to sensitise all women that once you are pregnant, you must register at the nearest health centre besides institutional delivery,” Dr War said.
Terming the situation as a matter of concern, the DHS said that the figures from this time and last year are almost same.
“We are concerned about the high maternal and infant mortality rate and to tackle this, we are identifying pregnant women through the ‘Mother’s app’,” Dr War added.
Meanwhile, Dr W Wanswett, DHS (MCH& FW), said that the department compares the data of same period ever year.
Admitting that the state sees 3-5 maternal deaths every week, she informed that state has an infant mortality rate of 34 deaths per 1,000 births.
Stating that the department has been using technology to track pregnant mothers, she added that the state is also contemplating provision of training to traditional birth attendants.
Wanswett informed that in the last four months, institutional delivery has increased from 59 to 62 per cent and on the other hand, immunisation has increased from 75 to 90 per cent.
