Maternal death rate still high in Assam

February 7, 2011

TNN, Feb 7, 2011, 11.18pm IST

GUWAHATI: Despite state government efforts to improve maternal health, maternal

mortality rate continues to be high in the state as per Gauhati Medical College

and Hospital (GMCH) records.

Last year's record (from GMCH) shows there were 12,971 deliveries and out of

this figure, there were 72 maternal deaths. When compared to the all India

figure, which is 382 per lakh, it works out to around 550 here.

As per GMCH officials, the major causes of maternal death are septic abortion

and eclampsia and this is mainly noticed among referral patients mainly from

lower Assam and parts of Meghalaya.

An official said, " Most of the deaths are recorded among referral patients,

those who come from outside the state. The patients come at the last moment when

the situation is already bad, and most of them die on the way. But, those who

are admitted on time, are given proper treatment and care. "

Besides that, simple measures such as, regular medical check-ups, proper

medication and maintenance of hygiene coupled with nutritious food can go a long

way in ensuring maternal health.

Issues like maternal health were discussed at a seminar on the first day of the

three-day golden jubilee celebration of the GMC. The seminar was presided over

by Dipika Deka, a professor at AIIMS, along with other professors of the

gynaecology department of GMC.

On Friday, a special seminar on HIV/ AIDS, organised by the Assam State AIDS

Control Society (ASACS), was held. Junmoni Deka, a medical student, said,

" Seminars like this will be very helpful for students as there's so much to

learn from such dignitaries. "

in-Assam/articleshow/7447610.cms

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