A stark reality has emerged from Karnataka: the state recorded the highest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) among all southern Indian states between 2021 and 2023. This distressing trend has prompted an urgent outcry from public health experts and policymakers, who are now demanding immediate and comprehensive action to tackle this critical health disparity.
The recently released Sample Registration System (SRS) 2023 data paints a grim picture. Karnataka’s MMR tragically surged to 68 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021-23, a significant jump from 58 in the previous period (2020-22). In stark contrast, neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu maintain their MMRs predominantly in the 30s, while Telangana stands at 59.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, a crucial day-long conference titled “Reducing Maternal Mortality in Karnataka” was held in Bengaluru this Thursday. The event, organized by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), Karnataka Regional Branch, in collaboration with R.V. University’s Centre for Global Health and Development, brought together key stakeholders to strategize on solutions.
During his keynote address, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced that the State Cabinet has given its approval for a critical mission aimed at ensuring uninterrupted, 24/7 maternal healthcare services across all taluk hospitals and major community health centres. He highlighted the Chief Minister’s recent budget allocation of ₹320 crore towards a mission to eliminate preventable maternal deaths entirely. “Our immediate goal is ambitious,” Rao stated, “to reduce the MMR from 68 to 40 within two-and-a-half years, with an ultimate vision of reaching 20, aligning with global health standards.”
Adding to the discussion, Medical Education and Skill Development Minister Sharan Prakash R. Patil emphasized the vital importance of weaving maternal health priorities into both medical training curricula and future healthcare workforce planning. This integration, he argued, is crucial for long-term improvement.
Ranjini C. Raghavendra, Director of R.V. University’s Centre for Global Health and Development, powerfully described preventable maternal deaths as a “silent crisis.” She pointed out that despite Karnataka’s intellectual and resource strengths, its progress in this area lags significantly behind its neighbouring states. “For a state of our caliber, not keeping up with our neighbours is a harsh truth,” Raghavendra asserted. “The ₹320-crore mission isn’t just about funds; it needs to be a firm guarantee of improved outcomes.”
B. L. Sujatha Rathod, Director of Medical Education, further stressed the imperative for continuous skill development and training for healthcare professionals, particularly in managing high-risk pregnancies, to ensure better maternal outcomes.
The conference culminated with a resounding call for a comprehensive, state-level “maternal mortality acceleration plan.” This strategy would integrate immediate, life-saving medical interventions with sustained, long-term investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, and meaningful community engagement.