Telangana’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) continues to remain significantly lower than the national average, although the State has recorded a marginal increase in the latest data released by the Registrar General of India.
According to the Special Bulletin on Maternal Mortality in India 2019-21 – Sample Registration System (SRS), Telangana’s MMR stands at 45 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. This is an increase from the previous estimate of 43 recorded in the 2018-20 report. Despite the uptick, Telangana remains among the better-performing States in terms of maternal health, while the national MMR average has seen a decline, from 97 in 2018-20 to 93 in 2019-21.
The report highlights regional disparities in maternal deaths, with southern States consistently reporting lower MMRs. Kerala leads the country with the lowest MMR at 20, followed by Maharashtra (38), Telangana (45), Andhra Pradesh (46), Tamil Nadu (49) and Karnataka (63). In contrast, States such as Madhya Pradesh (175), Assam (167) and Uttar Pradesh (151) recorded the highest maternal mortality figures.
Maternal Mortality Ratio is a critical health indicator that reflects the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. The World Health Organisation defines a maternal death as one occurring during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination, from causes related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, excluding accidental or incidental causes.
To better assess regional trends, the report categorises States into three groups — the “Empowered Action Group” (EAG) comprising States with historically weaker health indicators like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh; the “Southern” group, which includes Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu; and “Other” States and Union Territories.
Published – May 13, 2025 01:22 am IST
