Health Department Organises Maternal Death

Hoshiarpur/Daljeet Ajnoha/Mar 11 : To provide high-quality health services to pregnant women under maternal and child health programmes and reduce maternal mortality rates, the Maternal Death Review Committee meeting was held today at the Civil Surgeon’s office in Hoshiarpur. The meeting was chaired by Civil Surgeon Dr Mandeep Kamal and led by District Family Welfare Officer Dr Ranjit Singh. During the meeting, a detailed review was conducted of the maternal death in Ajram village under the Community Health Centre, Harta Badla.Civil Surgeon Dr Mandeep Kamal stated that timely identification of high-risk pregnant women is essential to prevent maternal deaths. All necessary tests for them should be conducted within the stipulated time, and appropriate treatment provided as needed. She emphasised maintaining constant contact with pregnant women due in the coming month, with continuous follow-up by ASHA workers and ANMs, to ensure immediate health services in any crisis.The Civil Surgeon directed all medical officers and field staff to prevent anaemia in pregnant women by ensuring ANMs make iron and folic acid available. This can significantly reduce deaths due to post-partum haemorrhage during delivery. Doctors were instructed to ensure at least one antenatal check-up for all women in their second and third trimesters. Special attention must be given to high-risk cases at PMSMA camps held on the 9th and 23rd of every month. Paramedical staff were told to counsel patients on family planning.She issued clear instructions that ANMs must prepare a birth plan for every pregnant woman in advance. No deliveries should occur at home under any circumstances; all must be 100% institutional. ASHA workers were directed to ensure their presence at health facilities for check-ups and deliveries.District Family Welfare Officer Dr Ranjit Singh said every pregnant woman must be registered at a health facility at the earliest. Vital tests like weight, blood pressure, sugar, Hb, thyroid, hepatitis, LFT, scans, ECG, etc., must be done on time to identify and treat potential complications early.High-risk women should have a pre-planned delivery strategy, referring them to facilities with all required resources and specialists. Even if a woman opts for private treatment, the government health department must maintain continuous follow-up.Health officials particularly stressed ANC (Antenatal Care) and postnatal check-ups. They said timely identification, prior planning, constant monitoring, and prompt treatment are the most effective steps to reduce maternal mortality.The meeting was attended by District Health Officer Dr Jatinder Bhatia, Dr Manjari Gynaecologist, Tarsem Lal District Mass Media Officer, field staff from relevant blocks, and other medical and paramedical staff.