Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
National Safe Motherhood Day is an initiative of the White Ribbon Alliance, observed on April 11, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi, wife of Mahatma Gandhi. The Government of India declared this day in 2003 to raise awareness about the importance of safe motherhood practices. India is one of the highest-risk places in the world to give birth, accounting for 15% of total maternal deaths worldwide. This day focuses on reducing anaemia among women, promoting institutional delivery, and ensuring better pre and postnatal healthcare, which are crucial for mothers. A healthy mother is vital because she is an incubator for her unborn child. A nutritious diet during pregnancy ensures good brain development of the foetus, reduces birth defects, and promotes healthy baby weight. Every year, 44,000 women die in India due to improper care during pregnancy. Motherhood is a precious gift, and mothers are special individuals in our lives. Women are blessed with the unique ability to give birth, nurturing their child for nine months, and enduring physical and emotional challenges.
The consequences of neglecting safe motherhood practices are severe. Maternal mortality is a significant public health issue in India, with many women dying from preventable causes like postpartum haemorrhage, eclampsia, and obstructed labour. Many more suffer from long-term health consequences, such as fistula, infertility, and chronic illnesses. The impact is not limited to the mother; it affects the entire family, especially the newborn. Children who lose their mothers are more likely to face health and developmental challenges, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and poor health.
To address these challenges, the union government has implemented various initiatives, such as the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), which provides financial assistance to pregnant women for institutional delivery and postnatal care. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandan Yojana (PMMVY) offers cash incentives to pregnant and lactating women for nutrition and healthcare. The Ayushman Bharat scheme aims to provide health insurance coverage to vulnerable families, including pregnant women.
Some key aspects of safe motherhood include access to quality healthcare services during pregnancy and childbirth, proper nutrition and anaemia prevention, institutional delivery and skilled birth attendants, postnatal care and support, awareness about pregnancy-related risks and complications, family planning and reproductive rights, and addressing social determinants like poverty, education, and empowerment. Empowering women with education and economic opportunities improves maternal health outcomes. Engaging communities and families in safe motherhood initiatives is crucial. Strengthening healthcare systems and infrastructure is essential for reducing maternal mortality. Addressing cultural and social barriers to healthcare access is vital. Let’s raise awareness about safe motherhood practices, prevent child marriages, and ensure every woman receives quality nutrition and healthcare during and after pregnancy.
Every woman deserves dignity, respect, and care during motherhood. By working together, we can reduce maternal mortality and create a healthier, more equitable society for all . The statistics are stark – India accounts for 15% of global maternal deaths, 44,000 women die annually due to pregnancy-related complications, 67% of Indian women have anaemia, and only 52% of deliveries occur in institutions. To achieve safe motherhood, we must prioritize access to quality healthcare, nutrition, institutional delivery, postnatal care, family planning, and addressing social determinants.
(The author is a freelancer and can be reached at [email protected])
