Infant and maternal mortality rates reported to be high in Visakhapatnam

Maternal and infant mortality rates have been increasing in Visakhapatnam district. A total number of 12 deaths from December 2017 to January 2018 have been reported.

The Maternal and Infant Mortality Rates during the months of February and April this year have increased to 16 in the city, though the government of Andhra Pradesh is claiming that measures are being taken to reduce the rate.

The collector of Visakhapatnam, Praveen Kumar IAS, organised a review meeting on Thursday, to check on the mortality rate. Coming to know about the increase in deaths, the Collector vented his anger at the medical officers. He directed the District Medical and Health Officer(DMHO), R Ramesh, to take necessary action against medical officers concerned.

Also, the Collector enquired about the steps being taken to keep the mortality rates in check. He mentioned that pregnant women under high-risk cases should be admitted to the nearest government hospital if necessary.

Explaining about the deaths, the medical officers have informed that the MMR  is increasing as pregnant women are reaching hospitals and health centres by foot due to improper roads and lack of ambulance service during an emergency.

The DMHO said that Primary Health Care Centre wise training for ANMs will be started from June 1 onwards.

Credits: The Hans India