Decline in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in India – A Key Indicator of Healthcare Progress

Introduction

Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is a key indicator used to measure the quality of a country’s healthcare system. In India, the fact that MMR has declined by more than 80% over the past three decades reflects the progress made in the public health system.

1. Maternal Mortality Ratio – Definition and Data

Death of a mother during pregnancy or within 42 days after delivery is defined as MMR.
It is calculated based on the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

In India:
1990 → 508
2023 → 116
Sample Registration System (2021–23) → 88

➡️ This shows an approximate reduction of 80–86%.

2. Reasons for this Improvement

National Health Schemes:
National Health Mission (NHM)
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) – Incentives for safe delivery
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

Increase in Institutional Deliveries
Skilled Birth Attendance
Immunization & Nutrition Programs
Role of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and ASHA workers

3. Global Comparison

Global MMR (2023): ~190
India: 116 (or 88 – latest estimate)

➡️ India performs better than the global average.
However, countries like Nigeria and Ethiopia still have higher rates.

4. SDG Targets and Challenges

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3):
Reduce MMR to below 70 by 2030

104 out of 204 countries have not yet achieved the target
India is close to achieving the target, but still faces challenges such as

Rural–urban disparities
Malnutrition
Lack of healthcare facilities

5. Constitutional and Social Justice Link

Article 21 – Right to Life → Protection of mothers
Article 47 – Improvement of Public Health (Directive Principle)

This is relevant in TNPSC/UPSC syllabus under
Social Issues and Health

Conclusion / Way Forward

The decline in MMR in India is a major achievement, but coordinated efforts are still required to achieve the SDG target.

Especially, improving rural healthcare infrastructure, women’s education, nutrition, and awareness are crucial.