The Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) and International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) have joined hands to strengthen maternal healthcare services and reduce maternal mortality rate (MMR) in India.

In this regard both the organisations are set to launch a ‘maternal death review’ programme in economically backward areas of the nation. The main aim of the programme is to probe the circumstances leading to death of the pregnant women. The maternal death review reports are analysed and the findings shared with the district and state authorities.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr Hema Divakar, president of FOGSI said, “The maternal death review program was implemented on a pilot basis in two districts of Rajastan--Sikar and Jhunjhunu. Their review program in these two districts has identified that women die because of the delay in seeking care; death during transfer to a death facility with better facilities and in which health workers with necessary skills are present and inability of the facility to provide services due to lack of blood storage skilled health professionals or availability of drugs.”

The findings of the programme will help the states improve the maternal healthcare services delivery as the programme identifies the lapses. Maternal death review is common practice in the developed nations where death of a pregnant lady is analysed. The FOGSI has presented the findings in Rajasthan to the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).

“We want to start a similar initiative in Karnataka. I am sure that the findings of the programme will facilitate strengthening of the maternal healthcare services delivery in Karnataka. It will also help the government practitioners take preventive and corrective measures to save lives”, added Dr Hema.

In addition to the above, FOGSI has also partnered with FIGO in ‘Leadership in Obstetrics and Gynaecology for impact and change (LOGIC), an initiative in maternal and newborn health. “The FIGO and FOGSI have joined hands with the government of India and other partners to revise the emergency obstetric care (EmOC) training curriculum. The curriculum will dovetail other government maternal and child health and production and child health programme guidelines into EmOC,” said Dr CN Purandare, president-elect FIGO.