The Federation of Obstetric & Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), and Programme for Appropirate Technology in Health (PATH), have signed an memorandum of understanding (MoU) to reduce maternal deaths as part of their save mother campaign in Bangalore.

The MoU facilitates FOGSI to advocate the safe and appropriate use of Uterotonics (drugs used to augment labour) through obstetricians, gynaecologists, medical officers and ANMs/ Staff Nurse by imparting training and hands-on experience to them.

According to a recent UN report, one-third of all maternal deaths occur in India and Nigeria. In 2010, almost 20 per cent of deaths were in India and 14 per cent were in Nigeria. India tops in rate of maternal deaths worldwide.

Maternal deaths are a serious concern in South India, particularly in Karnataka. The maternal death rate is high in that state compared to Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu. The MoU aims to reduce maternal deaths especially across Karnataka, particularly in rural areas.

Over the next six months, the ‘Save Mothers’ campaign will be extended to 19 districts in Karnataka. Training frontline health care providers in remote districts of Bidar, Gulbarga, Bagalkote, Bijapur and the rest of Karnataka is expected to reduce the maternal death to considerable levels in the state.

Commenting on the MoU, Dr Hema Divakar, president, FOGSI, said, “Maternal death is a serious concern in several states. In India, the direct causes of maternal death are haemorrhage (38 per cent), sepsis (11 per cent), hypertensive disorders (five per cent), and obstructed labour (five per cent), abortion (eight per cent) and other conditions (34 per cent). In Karnataka, maternal death rate is 213 for every 100,000; high compared to Andhra Pradesh (157) or Tamil Nadu (97). The misuse of uterotonic drugs plays a pivotal role in the whole process. This MoU will enable us to sensitize the people concerned on all these aspects.”