Karnataka has reported a concerning rise in maternal deaths, with a total of 348 fatalities recorded until November this year. Of these, 217 occurred between August and November, marking a significant spike in maternal mortality rates.
Government hospitals have been identified as the primary contributors, with 179 deaths occurring in these institutions, while private hospitals accounted for 38 fatalities. The state’s healthcare system is now under scrutiny, with experts pointing to systemic issues beyond the initial focus on IV fluids like Ringer’s Lactate, which had been previously blamed for maternal deaths in Ballari.
The report highlights that between August and November, Karnataka saw over 50 maternal deaths each month, raising alarms among medical professionals. While Ringer’s Lactate was a point of contention following reports from Ballari, specialists caution against oversimplifying the issue, urging a closer look at other contributing factors.
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), a common complication after childbirth, remains a leading cause of death, along with amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), a rare but severe condition that causes cardiovascular collapse.
In the past five years, Karnataka has witnessed over 3,350 maternal deaths, according to data released by the Chief Minister’s Office. Despite this, the maternal mortality rate has been on the decline in recent years, from 662 deaths in 2019-2020 to 518 in 2023-2024. The state’s current Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) stands at 64 per one lakh live births.
The Karnataka government has responded to the recent surge in maternal deaths by establishing a four-member panel to investigate the fatalities at Ballari Hospital and other healthcare facilities across the state.
