Gujarat’s Anand has been grappling with the newborns and maternal deaths in the last few months.

The health department on July 25 organised a review meeting led by  Anand’s chief district medical officer Dr Dipak Parmar. The meeting included a team of medical officers, gynaecologists, and superintendents of community health centres. 

Instructions were given on steps to prevent maternal and child deaths.

Timely registration of pregnant women, regular medical check-ups, providing nutritious food from Anganwadi centres, timely vaccinations, regular supply of folic acid, iron, and calcium medicines, institutional deliveries, and regular follow-up of mothers for 42 days after delivery were advised to prevent the deaths.

At least one infant dies everyday in Anand

Between April and June 2024, 10 mothers died during pregnancy and within 42 days after childbirth.

Moreover, 134 infants died within one year of birth. Despite allocating crores of funds for health in the district, the high mortality rate of 45 newborns and three maternal deaths has raised questions about the health facilities.

What is the reason behind deaths?

Dr Parmar said that causes of maternal deaths include early pregnancy at the age of 19-20 years, weighing less than 40 kg, low haemoglobin levels, and malnutrition. 

Since malnourished mothers give birth to malnourished babies, child mortality occurs. The health department educates young women and their husbands to conceive after the age of 21.

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