Building on significant improvements in maternal health over the last twenty years, Uttar Pradesh is gearing up to implement a sophisticated, data-centric strategy. This initiative aims to drive down maternal mortality rates even further, aligning the state's health metrics with national and global benchmarks.
From Historic Gains to Future Goals
The state has made remarkable progress, reducing its Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) from over 500 deaths per 100,000 live births in the early 2000s to 141 per 100,000 live births, as per the Sample Registration System (SRS) data for 2020–22, released in 2025. Officials believe this achievement provides a solid foundation to intensify efforts and secure sharper reductions in the coming years.
Recognising this momentum, the State Transformation Commission (STC) has begun work on policy innovations and strategic reforms. These efforts position maternal health at the core of Uttar Pradesh's wider development ambitions, which include becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2029 and realising the ‘Viksit UP 2047’ vision.
Blueprint for a Healthier Future
The first concrete step involves a high-level brainstorming session scheduled for next week. This meeting will draft a comprehensive "Roadmap to Reduce MMR, Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR), Stunting and Wasting in Uttar Pradesh".
STC chairperson Manoj Kumar Singh explained that the roadmap will prioritise evidence-based interventions and real-time monitoring to enable faster, more targeted responses. "A closer analysis of maternal deaths in the state revealed two key insights," Singh said. "Most maternal deaths are preventable, and in many cases, very small and timely interventions can save lives."
He highlighted a critical gap in the current system: while maternal death surveillance and audits exist, actionable data often arrives with a significant delay. "We identified a gap in real-time, actionable evidence. Our objective is to create a system where data flows in real time, allowing policymakers and health officials to design and implement more effective strategies," Singh emphasised.
Focus on Precision and Accountability
At a macro level, the state intends to use this data-driven approach to boost institutional deliveries from the current rate of around 85% to universal coverage. Officials state that enhancing access to timely, high-quality institutional care will be a pivotal lever in preventing avoidable maternal deaths.
The proposed policy framework also seeks to align Uttar Pradesh's maternal health outcomes with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The overall emphasis will be on precision planning, strict accountability, and achieving measurable, concrete outcomes.
This new strategy marks Uttar Pradesh's commitment to transforming its public health infrastructure, ensuring that the gains of the past two decades serve as a springboard for a healthier future for all mothers in the state.
