Assam has recorded the sharpest decline in maternal deaths in the country. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed this as a “milestone in the state’s healthcare journey” and praised the dedication of medical professionals and grassroots health workers.
Maternal Mortality Rate Sees Steep Fall
According to the latest report from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Assam has registered a dramatic fall in its Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR). The MMR now stands at 128 per 100,000 live births, down from 174 just a few years ago—marking one of the most significant declines nationally.
Sarma emphasized that this drop was not accidental but the outcome of years of targeted interventions, improved infrastructure, and continuous monitoring.
“This is a result of our government’s relentless focus on maternal health under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It reflects our success in delivering healthcare to the last mile,” he said.
Key Drivers Behind the Success
The fall in maternal deaths has been linked to several policy-level initiatives and execution at ground level. These include:
- Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and PM Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) schemes providing financial and nutritional support to pregnant women.
- Increase in institutional deliveries due to the 104 and 108 ambulance services.
- Better monitoring through Mother and Child Tracking Systems.
- Increased deployment of ANMs and ASHA workers in rural areas.
The state also saw a rise in antenatal checkups, improved anemia detection, and high-risk pregnancy monitoring.
Newborn and Maternal Units Revamped
Newborn Stabilization Units (NBSUs) and Maternal Intensive Care Units (MICUs) have been established. Or upgraded in major district hospitals and medical colleges. These facilities have significantly reduced deaths caused by pregnancy-related complications like eclampsia, hemorrhage, and sepsis.
In Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH), MICU admissions dropped by 28% due to better community-level care. Similar trends are reported in Silchar and Jorhat.
CM Sarma Commends Healthcare Teams
Chief Minister Sarma publicly acknowledged the contribution of healthcare professionals during an event held at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra.
“Every doctor, nurse, ANM, and ASHA worker who stepped out during floods and pandemics to deliver care deserves the credit for this landmark achievement,” he said.
He also urged medical teams to not be complacent and continue working toward reducing the number to double digits by 2030, in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A Model for Other States?
Public health experts suggest that Assam could serve as a model for other high-burden states such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
“Assam’s reduction in maternal mortality is a textbook example of how investment in community health and early detection pays off,” said Dr. Ruma Deka, a reproductive health specialist in Guwahati.
The state is also being considered for a national-level award by the Ministry of Health for this performance.
To know more about maternal health initiatives in Assam, visit the Assam National Health Mission portal. For state-specific health updates, explore our Assam Healthcare Updates.
With momentum on its side, Assam aims to improve neonatal care and tackle maternal malnutrition next. Citizens are encouraged to participate in government health awareness drives and support local ASHA workers for continued success.
Assam’s success in lowering maternal deaths is more than just a statistic—it reflects a transformation in access, care, and trust in public health.
