SHILLONG, Nov 6: Meghalaya’s maternal mortality rate has been reduced by over 50 per cent in the past four years, Principal Secretary for Health, Sampath Kumar, announced on Wednesday.
“With considerable effort, we’ve seen a significant decline in maternal deaths in the state — a reduction of over 50 per cent in the last four years. But as a state, we are determined to reduce this further,” Kumar said following a review meeting on maternal mortality.
He explained that weekly review meetings are held to conduct root cause analyses and mobilise actions to prevent such deaths in the future.
“Through constant efforts, we take concerted action on the ground to assess what additional support can be provided. This is a vital exercise, as every mother’s life is important, and we need to ensure safety,” he added.
The Principal Secretary noted that the Chief Minister’s Safe Motherhood Scheme (CM-SMS), a programme designed to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, has been a valuable resource for medical officers, enabling them to better support mothers.
“Take, for example, Purakhasia, one of the most remote areas in Garo Hills, where the PHC has ten beds occupied with pregnant mothers. We are exploring ways to expand support there. We are also trying to provide an ultrasound machine, which would help identify complications early,” he said.
He mentioned that, previously, there were no doctors available to perform ultrasounds. “We have now partnered with the Tamil Nadu government, training 60 doctors there who are now handling these procedures.”
Kumar added that approximately 80,000 births occur annually, which requires extensive health system strengthening. “This can’t be achieved overnight; it requires dedicated efforts from everyone involved,” he said.
The department now also has access to real-time data on pregnant mothers, improving accountability. Referring to the recent review, he mentioned discussions on maternal deaths in Ranikor, a region facing significant challenges like poor network connectivity and limited mobility, especially during monsoons.
“We have instructed the Ranikor CHC, the District Commissioner, and Block officers to establish a transit home, making it easier for hard-to-reach families to bring pregnant women in for safe deliveries,” he shared.
Kumar concluded by emphasising that decentralised actions are under way to ensure greater responsibility is taken across all levels.
