Maternal Mortality Rate in Madhya Pradesh: A Serious Challenge | Daily GK Update
Madhya Pradesh (MP) has once again become a national concern due to its alarming maternal mortality rate (MMR). According to the recently released Sample Registration System (SRS) 2019-21 data, MP's MMR has reached 175 deaths per 100,000 live births, almost double the national average of 93. This rise is a warning sign for the state and the country, especially since India aims to reduce MMR to 70 by 2030.
State-wise Comparison | Atharva Examwise Current News
| State | Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) per 100,000 births |
|---|---|
| Madhya Pradesh | 175 |
| Assam | 167 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 167 |
| Bihar | 130 |
| Maharashtra | 38 |
| Telangana | 45 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 46 |
| Jharkhand | 51 |
| Tamil Nadu | 49 |
| Gujarat | 53 |
| India (Average) | 93 |
Key Reasons Behind the Rising Maternal Mortality Rate
Availability of Health Facilities: 70% of health centers remain closed at night.
Condition of Hospitals: District hospitals have been shut for years; no operations are being performed.
Staff Shortage in Rural Areas: 60% of staff are not permanently posted and commute daily.
Shortage of Medicines: Pregnant women do not receive essential medicines on time.
Lack of Trained Staff: Required check-ups are not being conducted due to insufficient trained staff.
Weak Reporting System: In many districts, maternal deaths are not properly recorded, leading to inaccurate data.
Madhya Pradesh Also Leads in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
IMR (Infant Mortality Rate): MP has the highest IMR in India at 41, compared to the national average of 27.
National Improvement: India's average IMR was 27 in 2021, marking a 36% decline over the past decade.
Causes: Delay in treatment, complications during delivery, and infections immediately after birth.
Year-wise Changes & National Targets
In 2011-13, MP's MMR was 221, which dropped to 173 in 2014-16, but has now risen again to 175.
India’s target is to bring MMR down to 70 by 2030, but MP is far from this goal.
States like Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat have achieved or are close to the SDG target.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exam News
Madhya Pradesh has the highest maternal mortality rate (MMR) in India: 175 per 100,000 live births.
National average MMR: 93; National target (by 2030): 70.
States with lowest MMR: Maharashtra (38), Telangana (45), Andhra Pradesh (46).
MP also has the highest infant mortality rate (IMR): 41 (national average: 27).
Main reasons: lack of health services, staff shortages, medicine unavailability, weak reporting system.
India has improved MMR and IMR over the past decade, but some states still lag behind.
SDG target for 2030: MMR to 70 and IMR to the minimum possible.
Why This Matters for Exams
Questions on health indicators, government schemes, and state comparisons are frequently asked in exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State PCS.
Data on maternal and infant mortality rates in MP, their causes, remedial measures, and national/international targets (SDGs) are crucial for current affairs and general knowledge.
Analytical questions on policy effectiveness, ground realities of health services, and reporting system weaknesses can also be expected.
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