Karnataka’s New Maternal Health Strategy Aims for Zero Preventable Deaths by 2030

Bengaluru, September 25 – Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Department unveiled a forward‑looking maternal health strategy that aspires to eradicate preventable maternal deaths by 2030. The plan, presented at a state‑level SUMAN Roadmap 2030 workshop, reaffirms the state’s pledge to reduce the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to below 70 per 100,000 live births – a drop from the current estimate of 73, according to the 2022‑24 Sample Registration System. Health Minister U.T. Khadar opened the workshop, urging stakeholders to strengthen quality, timeliness and respect in maternal care delivery. The roadmap is built around four interlinked themes: expanding coverage while ensuring quality, early risk identification paired with swift intervention, robust programme execution with measurable outcomes, and aligning state‑wide monitoring with district‑level responsibility. A life‑cycle approach will guide services from pre‑conception health, through pregnancy, delivery and the post‑natal period. The strategy places heightened focus on detecting anemia, nutritional deficits, non‑communicable diseases and other risk factors before conception. For high‑risk pregnancies, the department will tighten the entire chain – from risk classification and referral to treatment, follow‑up and safe delivery. Preparedness for obstetric emergencies such as postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive crises and sepsis will be reinforced by equipping facilities with essential medicines, equipment, skilled staff, blood supplies, emergency transport and reliable referral networks. The Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) system will be upgraded to move beyond paperwork, uncover root causes, initiate corrective actions and ensure systematic follow‑up to prevent recurrence.