Maternal Deaths In Maharashtra Rise To 1,168 in 2024–25; Pune District Records Highest Toll
Maternal Deaths In Maharashtra Rise To 1,168 in 2024–25; Pune District Records Highest Toll
Pune: Maharashtra recorded 1,168 maternal deaths in the year 2024–25, marking a slight increase from 1,131 deaths reported the previous year, according to data released by the state health department. Among all districts, Pune reported the highest number of maternal deaths at 95.
Health officials attributed Pune’s higher figures to its large population and its role as a referral center for complex cases from surrounding districts. Many of these high-risk cases are referred to at advanced stages, reducing the chances of successful intervention.
The primary causes of maternal deaths across the state included hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, postpartum haemorrhage, sepsis, pulmonary embolism, and complications from diseases like tuberculosis and cancer.
Officials also noted that 68 of the deceased women were from outside Maharashtra, underscoring the state’s role as a major healthcare hub in the region.
According to the World Health Organization, maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of pregnancy termination, due to causes related to or worsened by the pregnancy or its management.
Despite the year-on-year rise, Maharashtra remains among the better-performing states in the country. The Sample Registration System (SRS) places the state’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR) at 36 per 100,000 live births for the 2020–2022 period, down from 38 in 2019–2021. The national average for the same period stands at 88.
The state’s ongoing initiatives are towards reducing maternal deaths. With support from Asha workers who conduct home-based and post-natal care visits, we’ve managed to bring the numbers down. However, cities like Pune often report higher figures because they serve as final destinations for emergency referrals.
Officials concluded that although progress has been made, consistent efforts and infrastructure improvements are vital to reduce preventable maternal deaths further.
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