By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 12: As India observed National Motherhood Day, Meghalaya has emerged as an unlikely example of maternal healthcare transformation. With a dramatic 56 per cent drop in its Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) over just three years, the state has achieved what several larger and better-equipped states are still striving for.
According to the latest reports, Meghalaya reduced its MMR from 243 deaths per 1,00,000 live births in 2020-21 to 107 in 2023. In comparison, states like Madhya Pradesh (173), Assam (195) and Bihar (118) continue to grapple with high maternal deaths.
One of the key reasons behind this achievement is the MOTHER App, which enables real-time tracking of pregnancies by ASHA workers and alerts health centres about high-risk cases.
Within just six months of its pilot, South West Garo Hills district saw institutional deliveries rise from 44 per cent to 76 per cent.
The mobile application’s success prompted a wider rollout, and now, nearly all 11 districts of the state use it to monitor maternal health. Pregnant women are identified early, tracked closely and encouraged to opt for hospital deliveries through frequent home visits, counseling and logistical support.
Complementing the digital push is the Chief Minister’s Safe Motherhood Scheme (CMSMS).
Launched as part of the state’s broader public health revamp, the scheme provides mobile medical units in remote areas, facilitates free transport to hospitals, and offers access to maternity homes. Over 150 vehicles and 80 transit homes are currently operational across the state, offering round-the-clock emergency services.
While much of rural India still struggles with “last-mile” challenges, Meghalaya has focused on decentralised care.
When compared with states like Gujarat (MMR: 70) and West Bengal (MMR: 95), where progress has plateaued, or with Maharashtra, where despite a stronger health infrastructure the MMR stands at 43, Meghalaya’s districts like East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi have shown a significant increase in first-trimester antenatal registrations, now covering over 46 per cent of pregnancies state-wide.