DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Under the leadership of Haryana Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao, the Health Department continues its unwavering efforts to improve maternal health outcomes across the state. With a strong commitment to providing quality antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care services, the department ensures that every pregnant woman approaching a government health facility receives comprehensive and respectful care.

Haryana Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao said, "According to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) Special Bulletin on Maternal Mortality in India (2019?21), Haryana has recorded a decline in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) from 110 (2018?20) to 106?marking a 4-point improvement. The state reiterates its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing the MMR to below 70. Reducing the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) remains a key priority.

A series of strategic initiatives have been implemented to improve the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of maternal healthcare services at every stage ? from pregnancy to delivery and the postpartum period."

She said institutional deliveries in the state have risen to 98.3% in 2024?25 (as per Health Management Information System data), reflecting enhanced service coverage and increased confidence among the public in government healthcare facilities.

To further strengthen maternal health infrastructure, all labour rooms at government delivery points have been upgraded and are now fully equipped with essential drugs, equipment, and logistics. Best practices in labour room management are being followed to ensure safe deliveries and improved maternal outcomes.

Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), Haryana, Dr. Rippudaman Singh Dhillon said, "NHM Haryana has rolled out and effectively implemented a range of impactful policies and programmes, including High-Risk Pregnancy (HRP) Guidance Note for systematic identification and management of high-risk pregnancies, Janani Surakshit Maah, a dedicated monthly campaign focused on addressing high-risk pregnancies, extending Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan to strengthen antenatal care services across the state, and regular monitoring at the state and district levels?ensuring accountability and improved service delivery.

(editor@dailyworld.in)