Record Partograph using real time information in labour rooms in J&K: Secy Health to officials

Srinagar, Feb 19: Authorities have directed health officials to record Partograph using real time information in all maternity cases in labour rooms across Jammu and Kashmir.
The move, according to the circular issued by the Secretary Health and Medical Education, is aimed at reducing maternal morbidity, mortality and cesarean section rate.
The Partograph is an effective tool in management of labour which prevents prolonged labour. It reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage and obviates the chances of obstructed labour, uterine rupture, and prenatal fetal asphyxia cases leading to an overall reduction in maternal morbidity and mortality, it said.
“The government is committed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target of Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of less than 70 maternal deaths per lakh live births. It has been observed that prolonged labour is one of the most frequent causes of maternal mortality. Further the rate of Cesarean Section has increased significantly in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and stands at 41.7% as per the NFHS-5 survey report against the desired Caesarean Section rate of below 15%.” said the circular.
“It has been observed that obstetric care providers in health facilities of the UT are not routinely using Partograph, a which is a simple and low-cost intervention of reducing maternal complications and morbidity.The Laqshya guidelines also recommend the use of Partograph as mandatory in at least 90% of the deliveries for achieving the desired certification.’
It said that in order to help reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and also reduce the Cesarean Section rate, it directed all the stakeholders across the Union Territory to generate/record Partograph using real-time information in all the delivery cases admitted in Labour rooms across the Union Territory. Further, HoD’s/ MS’s/ CMO’s/ BMO’s etc. shall regularly monitor the use of Partograph during their monitoring visits.
“Compliance reports with monthly data shall be submitted by the concerned HoD’s/MS’s/CMO’s/ by the third of every month for the preceding month. Managing Director, JKMSCL shall ensure that all Government hospitals undertaking deliveries have adequate numbers of CTG machines and partography paper. These shall be procured in a phased manner after fulfilling all codal formalities in letter and spirit,” it added.