Maternal mortality paints a grim picture in Meghalaya

A Correspondent

Shillong: The Meghalaya Assembly Committee on Women Empowerment (MACWE) on Monday revealed that the state records 48.6 percent non-institutional deliveries. “In the 21st Century this is an alarming number and it’s the main factor for the high Maternal mortality Rate in the state,” Ampareen Lyngdoh chairperson of the committee said.

The Assembly Committee has suggested to the Health department that it should provide adequate kits and wherewithal to the mid-wife to ensure that a child is delivered safely and there are no complications to mothers during child birth even as it pointed out that post natal-care is a serious concern in the state. The Committee has also expressed concern over the fact that ASHA workers are not paid regularly.

Meanwhile, the Assembly Committee also stated that it was aware the doctors serving in rural areas of the state do not attend to their duties regularly.

“We have asked the department to make enquiry and make a self audit of CHCs and PHCs in the state,” Lyngdoh added.

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