Gurgaon: Haryana govt will roll out a statewide ‘Zero preventable maternal death pakhwada’ from July 7 to July 22.From identifying and closely monitoring high-risk pregnancies to ensuring round-the-clock emergency obstetric care, adequate blood supplies, timely referrals and free postnatal check-ups at private hospitals, the fortnight-long campaign aims at “eliminating” preventable maternal deaths.The campaign comes on the back of Haryana making significant progress in reducing maternal mortality. According to the latest sample registration system (SRS) estimates, the state’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has declined from 106 maternal deaths per one lakh live births in 2019-21 to 89 in 2020-22, and remained at 89 in the 2021-23 estimates, close to the national average of 88.Alongside the maternal health campaign, the state has also launched ‘Muskan se matritva tak’, making oral health screening mandatory for every pregnant woman visiting govt health facilities on Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) and ePMSMA days. Free oral health screening services will be available at govt health facilities on the 9th, 10th, 23rd and the last working day of every month.The health department has also sought support from Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), Haryana chapter, to strengthen maternal healthcare beyond govt facilities. In a key commitment from the private sector, IMA Haryana president Dr Sunila Soni assured the health department that doctors affiliated with IMA and FOGSI would provide two free postnatal check-ups to women delivering at their hospitals within seven days of childbirth.NHM director (Haryana) Dr Virender Yadav told TOI, “All civil surgeons on Friday were directed to intensify monitoring of high-risk pregnancies while ensuring prompt response to obstetric emergencies. Frontline workers — including ASHAs (accredited social health activists), ANMs (auxiliary nurse midwives), staff nurses and medical officers — have been asked to step up community outreach so that no pregnant woman misses antenatal check-ups or institutional delivery services.”Civil surgeons have been directed to maintain strict surveillance of pregnant women requiring specialised care, ensure that first referral units (FRUs) remain fully equipped to handle obstetric emergencies and strengthen referral mechanisms so that women with complications receive timely treatment. Districts have also been asked to ensure uninterrupted availability of blood and blood components, specialist services, and functional labour rooms and maternity facilities.The initiative aims to detect complications early and provide quality postnatal care to lactating mothers without imposing any additional financial burden on families. Obstetric care refers to the comprehensive medical and supportive services provided throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. The health department has appealed to govt and private healthcare providers, partner organisations and families to work together to ensure timely antenatal care, early identification of complications and safe deliveries.Healthcare workers have also been directed to counsel expectant mothers on oral hygiene, proper brushing techniques and healthy dietary practices. A doctor said, “Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the risk of gum disease, tooth decay and pregnancy-related gingivitis, while poor oral health has been linked to adverse outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Under the initiative, all pregnant women attending antenatal clinics on PMSMA days will undergo basic oral health screening by trained healthcare providers. Those requiring specialised care will be referred to the nearest govt dental facility.”
