Karnataka Government Publishes Maternal Mortality Data Amid Public Outrage

Belagavi, Dec 9 (NationPress) Amid the public uproar regarding a series of maternal fatalities, the Karnataka government has disclosed official statistics on maternal deaths in the state from 2019-20 to the present, asserting that the death rates have diminished compared to earlier years.

Based on data released by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's office on Monday, during 2019-20, there were 662 maternal deaths reported out of 894,946 live births, which resulted in a Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) of 74. The MMR is defined as the number of deaths of pregnant mothers per 100,000 live births.

In the following years, the statistics continued: in 2020-21, 714 maternal deaths (MMR of 84); in 2021-22, 595 maternal deaths (MMR of 68); in 2022-23, 527 maternal deaths (MMR of 65); in 2023-24, 518 maternal deaths (MMR of 64); and in 2024-25 (up to November), 348 maternal deaths (MMR of 64) were reported.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, addressing a gathering in Belagavi on Monday, mentioned that maternal deaths are recorded annually and such incidents do occur. He urged against politicizing this issue and highlighted the need for a serious discussion during the legislative session.

"We are prepared to provide explanations. We will discuss the facts surrounding maternal deaths. These fatalities cannot be blamed solely on medical negligence. I will speak on the floor of the house regarding whether the government is influenced by a medical mafia," he stated.

He also expressed his worry regarding the recent spate of maternal deaths in hospitals in Ballari, declaring, "The government has become alert to this issue."

Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Laxmi Hebbalkar, also addressed the audience in Belagavi on Monday, denying any attempts to conceal maternal and newborn deaths.

"I have engaged in discussions with officials. We are implementing all necessary measures to prevent maternal deaths and are investigating the reasons behind these tragedies," she stated.

Regarding the Belagavi district, where the population stands at 54 lakh, Hebbalkar clarified that the numbers seem elevated because patients from Karwar and other areas come to Belagavi for medical care. Earlier that day, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka alleged that 325 newborns had died in Belagavi alone.

Hebbalkar remarked, "There are numerous factors contributing to maternal and newborn fatalities. There is no correlation between maternal deaths in Ballari and the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS)."

She further elaborated that newborn deaths occur due to reasons such as iron deficiency, premature birth, and other complications.

"For every 100,000 newborns, there are 28 deaths. BIMS ranks as the sixth-best hospital in the country. At this moment, we cannot determine a specific cause for these maternal and newborn deaths," she explained.

The issue of maternal fatalities in government hospitals in Ballari district resurfaced with the death of Sumaya, the most recent victim, who was admitted to VIMS in Ballari on November 10.

Following a cesarean section on November 12, she received IV fluids, after which she developed kidney complications leading to multiple organ failure. Despite undergoing dialysis, she passed away on December 5.

Prior to Sumaya, Rojamma, Nandini, Muskaan, Mahalaxmi, and Lalitamma also succumbed to post-delivery complications in the Ballari district.

These incidents have triggered widespread concern and outrage throughout the state.