Caesarean sections (c-sections) can be the difference between life and death for some mothers. However, a concerning trend in unnecessary c-sections is being witnessed throughout India – and a recent report from Madhya Pradesh about such practices is raising alarm bells in the state. The Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI) under the Union Ministry […]
maternal healthcare
Preeclampsia: A heart disease risk
Preeclampsia – a disease that can occur during pregnancy – can lead to an elevated risk of cardiac disease in later life, according to new research. The condition refers to gestational hypertension, wherein the mother’s blood pressure is elevated (onset being after the twentieth week of pregnancy) posing a risk both to her and her […]
Maternal mortality ratio in decline
The maternal mortality ratio has declined in India in recent years according to recently unveiled Sample Registration System (SRS) data, boding good news for the nation’s mothers. According to the figures, since 2013 maternal mortality has declined from 77 deaths per every lakh live births to seventy deaths for every lakh live births in southern […]
Infant and maternal health: Progress and challenges
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) has offered insight into India’s performance on infant and maternal health indicators, one of the most visceral issues threatening public health and development in the country. The study, which “assessed coverage, coverage change and inequity for eight maternal and newborn health care indicators in parts […]
Health benefits of breastfeeding: Health Ministry to raise awareness
World Breastfeeding Week may be over for the rest of the world, but the Union Health Ministry has announced plans to make it a monthly fixture in India to raise awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding. During an event last week, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan announced that a breastfeeding awareness week will […]
Commercial surrogacy ban clears the Lok Sabha
A controversial bill which lead to a commercial surrogacy ban in India cleared the Lok Sabha on Monday. MPs passed the legislation, which Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan called “the need of the hour”, by a voice vote. Vardhan stated it was “unfortunate that the country had emerged as a hub of commercial surrogacy […]
World Breastfeeding Week: The Indian perspective
World Breastfeeding Week, observed annually during the first week of August, draws attention to a practise which serves as a major health boon for both mother and child. “It is the responsibility of every mother to breastfeed as it has numerous health benefits for both mother [and] child,” tweeted Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, […]
C-sections are on the rise in Himachal Pradesh – highlighting a national problem
Rising rates of caesarean sections (C-sections) in Himachal Pradesh have been brought to light, emphasising a worrying national trend. The Times of India has reported that 11,319 C-sections were performed in the state during the 2017-18 period compared to 9,900 such procedures in the 2016-17 period and 9,414 in 2015-16. However, whilst profiteering by private […]
Sex-selective abortion in India: It’s worse than you think
At the age of 28, Madhuri had three daughters and no son. With a dream to have a son and to fulfil her family’s demands, she became pregnant again. But this time she couldn’t take any chance and illegally undertook a sex determination test. As soon as she was told that it is a girl, […]
Poor sanitation damages health facilities – and patients
Worldwide, two billion people lack access to basic sanitation services at health facilities – leaving them vulnerable to the health risks that can arise because of unhygienic conditions. This is according to a new report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The report’s findings reveal how a quarter […]