3,364 maternal deaths in Karnataka in over 5 years but rate falling: Govt

Bengaluru: A total of 3,364 maternal deaths have been recorded in Karnataka since 2019-20, according to government data. However, the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) has been falling since 2020-21.

The MMR refers to the number of maternal deaths divided by the number of live births in a given year.

In 2019-20, a total of 662 women died from pregnancy-related complications. With the state reporting 8,94,946 live births that year, the MMR stood at 74.

The MMR rose to 84 in 2020-21 as 714 women died while there were a total of 8,52,874 live births.

However, the MMR has fallen since with 68 in 2021-22 (8,76,419 live births, 595 maternal deaths), 65 in 2022-23 (8,10,769 live births, 527 maternal deaths), and 64 in 2023-24 (8,13,275 live births, 518 maternal deaths).

In 2024-25, 348 maternal deaths were recorded until November, with 5,42,183 live births and an MMR of 64, according to data shared by the Chief Minister's Office.

Maternal fatalities have become a topic of public discussion following the recent deaths of five women following caesarean deliveries at the Ballari district hospital. An expert committee formed by the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) found that the women developed complications after being administered Ringer's lactate solution, an IV fluid.

The IV fluid was supplied to the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (KSMSCL) by Bengal-based Paschimbanga Pharmaceutical.

On December 4, the Health and Family Welfare Department formed a committee to look into lapses in medicine procurement by the KSMSCL and violations in testing at empanelled laboratories.