Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a major drop in the state’s maternal mortality rate (MMR), calling it a “breakthrough” in the state’s long-standing battle against maternal deaths. The announcement marks a moment of pride and progress for Assam, which once had one of the highest maternal death rates in India.
During a press conference in Guwahati, CM Sarma revealed that Assam recorded its lowest maternal deaths in the last five years, thanks to a series of targeted healthcare interventions and sustained efforts to strengthen maternal care. According to official data shared by the state health department, Assam’s MMR has dropped from 205 per 100,000 live births in 2017-19 to 167 in 2020-22. This is the steepest decline seen in the region and signals significant improvement in maternal healthcare infrastructure.
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Calling the achievement a result of “collective governance and community awareness,” Sarma praised frontline health workers, ASHA volunteers, and doctors for their relentless commitment to ensuring safer pregnancies and deliveries. The CM emphasized that the government’s multi-pronged approach, including early detection of high-risk pregnancies, better institutional deliveries, and timely referral services, played a vital role in this success.
This development is especially crucial for maternal health in Assam, a state that has long struggled with challenges such as poverty, early marriages, low awareness of reproductive health, and limited access to quality medical facilities in rural areas. Until recently, many districts in Assam recorded alarmingly high maternal deaths due to complications during childbirth, delayed hospital access, and lack of skilled birth attendants.
One of the most impactful steps taken by the government was the expansion of the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and institutional delivery schemes under the National Health Mission (NHM). These programs have encouraged more women to opt for hospital-based deliveries, ensuring timely medical supervision and emergency care. The government also launched various awareness campaigns promoting prenatal checkups, nutrition during pregnancy, and family planning.
Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also served as the state’s health minister before becoming Chief Minister, has consistently focused on improving Assam’s healthcare ecosystem. Under his leadership, hundreds of sub-centres, primary health centres, and district hospitals have been upgraded with modern equipment and trained staff. The deployment of mobile medical units in remote villages and improved ambulance services have further helped reduce response times during emergencies.
Public health experts have lauded Assam’s progress, stating that it could serve as a model for other states in healthcare progress in Northeast India. According to Dr. Ruma Das, a senior obstetrician in Guwahati, “What Assam has achieved is commendable. A sustained drop in maternal mortality means that healthcare systems are functioning more effectively and communities are becoming more responsive to maternal health needs.”
Despite the achievement, CM Sarma acknowledged that there is still work to be done. Several remote districts continue to face healthcare delivery gaps. The Chief Minister reaffirmed the state’s commitment to bringing the MMR below 100 by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. He announced plans to recruit more specialists, build more maternity care centres, and offer further incentives for hospital deliveries.
This breakthrough also reflects well on the state’s overall development trajectory. As maternal mortality is a key indicator of public health, a decline in MMR often signals improvements in education, sanitation, and gender equality. The Assam government plans to release a comprehensive report soon, detailing the year-wise improvements, district-wise data, and future strategies.
The drop in maternal deaths is a huge win for Assam maternal mortality rate reduction efforts and a proud moment for the people of the state. With strong political will, improved infrastructure, and community participation, Assam has set a new benchmark in maternal healthcare. As CM Himanta Biswa Sarma leads the way, this success story is a shining example of what consistent effort and policy focus can achieve in India’s public health sector.
