More maternal deaths due to hypertension, anemia

Tirupati: Hypertension and anemia were the causes for most maternal deaths in Chittoor district just like in the State. From March to November 2017, the district witnessed 38 deaths and since there are four more months for the financial year to complete, the figure may further go up.

Though the district is well below the expected deaths of 60 per annum, the officials were worrying that the figure may go up in the next four months. They are running from pillar to post and taking all steps to control preventable deaths at any cost.

Normally, for every 1,000 live births, one death is possible and in Chittoor district, more than 60,000 deliveries are taking place per annum with a little over 5,000 deliveries per month said the District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO) Dr S Vijaya Gowri.

Speaking to The Hans India, she said, “Our focus is on how to prevent the maternal deaths. Six out of 38 deaths are due to Eclampsia followed by bleeding which results in complications like anemia and cardiac problems. These can be prevented if detected early”.

At primary, secondary and tertiary levels, every care was being taken to prevent maternal deaths through adequate medical care. Maternal deaths can be prevented if officials cooperate each other wherever problem arises, she added.

Another alarming situation is 20 cases were reported in Madanapalle area out of 38 maternal deaths that took place so far in the district. The reasons are illiteracy and early marriages. “We are concentrating more in that area,” maintained Dr Vijaya Gowri.

The district witnessed 57 maternal deaths in 2015-16 and 46 in the next year and by October 2017 it has reached the expected death mark of 35 and 3 more deaths took place in November. October recorded six deaths which is one more than the expected five.

The situation regarding the infant deaths is somewhat satisfactory with about 300 deaths took place till November 2017. In the preceding year, it was 550 as against the expected deaths of 2,500. It was said that pregnant women with hypertension are more prone to diabetes and cardiac arrest, haemorrhage and other complications.

If anemia is coupled with hypertension and cardiac problem, then the problem would be more severe. The DM&HO observed that in several cases the patients were not cooperating. “Almost 60 per cent of patients will fall in this category. In view of this, we are taking cooperation from ICDS and Revenue department to motivate them,” she said. The focus was laid now on creating awareness in the series of review meetings held at various places.

It is being strictly advised that every case must be examined by Medical Officer in Chandranna Sanchara Chikitsa along with all blood tests and ECG. Every antenatal case must be tagged along with their phone number. In antenatal cases, haemoglobin levels can be brought down to normal by administering iron sucrose injections.

Every pregnant woman should be made aware of the symptoms of hypertension. The district officials were educating staff to conduct ECG for all antenatal mothers in 6th and 9th months of pregnancy is mandatory.

If any abnormalities are recorded they should be referred to physician as well as gynaecologist. “We are moving forward to stop every preventable maternal death,” reiterated the DM&HO.

By V Pradeep Kumar