Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 4: While maternal mortality cases among pregnant women continue to be a matter of concern in the state, Dakshina Kannada district has witnessed a significant decline in the number of maternal deaths.

In 2019, the district recorded the deaths of 19 pregnant women and 354 infant deaths. However, over a five-year period, up to March 2024, the number of maternal deaths reduced to 10, while 300 infant deaths were reported. According to the department, no children have died due to anaemia or malnutrition. The primary causes of maternal mortality include severe bleeding, uterine complications, premature births, and other unexpected medical conditions.

In the 2020-21 period, 22 pregnant women lost their lives in Dakshina Kannada district, with the Maternal Death Rate (MDR) at 84.36%. Notably, Mangaluru recorded nine deaths, Puttur seven, Bantwal four, and Beltangady four. However, in 2021-22, the number of maternal deaths dropped to 16, with seven in Mangaluru, four in Puttur, three in Beltangady, and two in Bantwal, bringing the MDR down to 59.6%.

In 2022-23, a further decline was observed with 14 maternal deaths—three in Mangaluru, five in Bantwal, four in Beltangady, and two in Puttur—resulting in an MDR of 51.1%. The trend continued in 2023-24, with 10 maternal deaths reported—one in Bantwal, four in Beltangady, two in Mangaluru, and three in Puttur—bringing the MDR down to 38.7%.

In the ongoing 2024-25 period, the number of maternal deaths has further declined to eight—one in Bantwal, three each in Beltangady and Mangaluru. Sullia, which had recorded zero maternal deaths from 2020 to 2023, reported one maternal death in 2024-25. The current MDR stands at 36.8%.

In the 2020-21 period, out of 22 maternal deaths, 10 occurred in private hospitals, eight in government hospitals, three at home, and one during transit to a hospital. In 2021-22, both private and government hospitals recorded seven maternal deaths each, while two occurred during transit. In 2022-23, eight deaths were recorded in government hospitals, four in private hospitals, one at home, and one during transit.

In 2023-24, three maternal deaths occurred in government hospitals, six in private hospitals, and one at home. In 2024-25, one death has been reported in a government hospital, four in private hospitals, one at home, and two during transit.

According to Dr H R Thimmayya, the district health officer, the rise in maternal deaths in private hospitals is mainly attributed to patients from outside the district and referrals from private medical hospitals. Many of these patients are admitted to private hospitals at critical stages, which increases the mortality rate in these facilities.