Severe anaemia identified as key factor behind rise in maternal deaths in Gaya

Gaya: Sixty-seven reported maternal deaths in Gaya district over the past one year have caused concern among health officials, prompting the administration to prepare a strategy focused on awareness creation and stronger medical intervention to bring down the number.Officials admitted the actual number of maternal deaths could be higher as not all such cases are reported. Of the total deaths, 52 occurred in govt hospitals. Severe anaemia has been identified as one of the major causes behind maternal mortality in the district.The issue was discussed in detail at a meeting convened by civil surgeon Dr Raja Ram Prasad on Monday. The meeting was attended by non-communicable disease officer Dr E Haq, DPM Nilesh Kumar, J P N Hospital deputy superintendent Dr Chandrashekhar and Unicef representative Sanjay Kumar.The participants discussed measures to strengthen pregnancy-related healthcare services, including regular medical examinations during every trimester, early identification of high-risk pregnancies and timely medical intervention.Dr Haq said early detection of high-risk pregnancies could significantly reduce maternal deaths and stressed the need for greater awareness, particularly in rural areas.“The govt has adopted a proactive protocol to address maternal deaths and high-risk pregnancies. But due to lack of awareness and other constraints, particularly in rural areas, people often seek medical help at a late stage,” said Dr Haq.He said iron, folic acid and calcium supplements were being provided free of cost to pregnant women from the second trimester till 42 weeks after childbirth. Special iron supplements are also administered to women with haemoglobin levels below 7 grams.Health experts also expressed concern over the low rate of institutional deliveries in the district, currently around 50%. Officials said the figure should exceed 90% and efforts were being intensified to encourage hospital deliveries through free ambulance services and financial incentives.