In the fiscal year 2025-26, Maharashtra reported 971 maternal deaths, a decrease from 1,106 in 2024-25 and 1,131 in 2023-24. Despite the decline, health experts express grave concern as each death underscores persistent underlying causes and delays in medical attention.
State health department data shows declining trend
Data from the state health department reveals a gradual reduction in maternal deaths over recent years: 1,217 deaths in 2022-23, 1,131 in 2023-24, 1,106 in 2024-25, and 971 in 2025-26. Joint Director of Health Services Dr Sandeep Sangale stated, “District civil surgeons and medical health officers of civic bodies investigate every maternal death, classifying them according to underlying causes and subsequent actions taken. Such interventions have helped reduce maternal mortality numbers over the years.”
Maharashtra's maternal mortality ratio remains low
Maharashtra’s maternal mortality ratio stands at 36 per 100,000 live births (2021-2023), among the lowest in India. However, Dr Rashmi Dharaskar, senior consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Surya Mother and Child Super Speciality Hospital, emphasized that every maternal death indicates a missed opportunity for early recognition of illness and faster care. “Maternal deaths can often be prevented if risks are identified before they become emergencies. Every pregnant woman must be actively screened for major causes, with repeat checks during antenatal visits and after delivery. During labour, doctors must quantify blood loss, activate postpartum haemorrhage protocols early, arrange blood supplies, use uterotonics and magnesium sulphate when indicated, start antibiotics promptly for suspected sepsis, and transfer the mother to higher care at the first sign of deterioration. The real duty is continuous vigilance, because saving the mother often depends on acting minutes earlier,” she added.
Experts highlight systemic issues and solutions
Consultant gynaecologist and IVF specialist at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, Dr Hrishikesh Pai, noted that delays in transferring patients often prove fatal. He advocated for real-time communication between primary, secondary, and tertiary centres, along with well-equipped transport systems. “High-risk pregnancies must be distinctly marked and associated with facilities that possess all requirements to provide extensive emergency care to obstetric patients. Compliance with usual treatment regimens can save lives during labour and in the immediate postpartum period. Physicians should be educated to act swiftly during the so-called golden hour, especially when dealing with postpartum bleeding, hypertensive emergencies, and sepsis,” he said.
Major causes of maternal deaths identified
The principal causes of maternal deaths include hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, haemorrhage, sepsis, pulmonary embolism, heart diseases, and anaemia. Addressing these conditions promptly is critical to reducing fatalities.
State government schemes to reduce maternal mortality
Dr Sangale elaborated on state initiatives: “The state runs multiple schemes to lower maternal mortality and ensure every woman has a risk-free delivery experience. These include the Janani Suraksha Yojana, Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, and PM Matruvandana Yojana. Financial assistance and medical supplements to improve health indicators are also provided. Our staff visits every home with a pregnant woman for antenatal and postnatal care.”
Health experts stress that continued vigilance, timely interventions, and robust healthcare infrastructure are essential to further reduce maternal deaths in Maharashtra.
