Maternal death audit soon: Azad

Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday said that an audit of maternal deaths will soon be conducted across the country. We have taken a new initiative on a national level regarding the introduction of maternal death audits at the community and facility levels. Some states have started doing it,others are in advanced stages of preparation, he said while addressing a global maternal health conference.

Maternal mortality is an important indicator to describe the effectiveness and reach of health care system. Maternal deaths largely take place in the poorest segments of society. Therefore,if maternal and infant mortality decreases,it is an indication that the health system is working in an equitable manner, he added. The conference,attended by delegates from across the world,will deliberate on the UN Millennium Development Goal of reducing maternal mortality rates.

Elaborating on Janani Suraksha Yojana,a Centre-sponsored scheme,Azad said the programme is recognised internationally. In 2009-10,the scheme benefited more than 10 million women. Last year,we spent more than 300 million Rs 1,400 crore under the scheme, he said.