Shillong, August 25: Meghalaya has recorded a 55 per cent decline in maternal mortality, with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma attributing the improvement to targeted interventions supported by real-time health data.
Responding to a supplementary question from Leader of the Opposition Dr Mukul M. Sangma in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said the Government uses an online monitoring system to track pregnant women, with particular attention to those identified as high-risk.
According to the Government’s assessment, around 10 to 15 per cent of pregnant women are classified as high-risk at any given time. Anaemia, he said, remains among the most common health concerns.
The Government provides high-risk pregnant women with additional nutritional support and specialised medical care, the Chief Minister said. Those requiring closer monitoring are accommodated in safe-motherhood transit homes for around 15 to 20 days before delivery, with financial assistance also provided during their stay.
Sangma said the 55 per cent reduction in maternal mortality was achieved through data-driven monitoring and targeted interventions, describing it as the highest decline recorded among States in the country.
However, he stressed that the Government would continue working towards eliminating preventable maternal deaths.
“We do not want a single mother to lose her life while bringing a new life into this world,” Sangma told the House.
Special Study and Audit for East Garo Hills
Taking note of concerns raised by Dr Mukul M. Sangma, who is also a medical doctor and represents the Songsak constituency in East Garo Hills, the Chief Minister assured the Assembly that a special study and audit would be conducted in the district.
He said the Government would examine the available health data and take necessary measures to strengthen maternal healthcare, particularly in areas that continue to face persistent challenges.
The proposed audit is expected to help identify gaps in maternal healthcare services and guide further interventions to prevent maternal deaths across the district.
