Karnataka: Alarming maternal deaths raise concerns; malnutrition, anemia top list

Karnataka has witnessed a concerning rise in maternal deaths, with 2,079 mothers losing their lives over the past three years, according to the state’s Health and Family Welfare Department. Among these, 822 women died during childbirth operations, while 38 lakh mothers suffered due to anaemia.

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Several factors contribute to these tragic fatalities. The increase in child marriages and premature childbirth operations has been highlighted as key issues, along with the rising number of minors experiencing pregnancies. Health complications such as high blood pressure, liver and kidney disorders, obesity, and malnutrition have further exacerbated the risks during pregnancy.

Many of these deaths could have been prevented with proper medical care, yet some women resort to home-based operations, which lack the safety measures of formal healthcare settings. The lack of adequate healthcare, combined with societal and health issues, continues to threaten the lives of new mothers in the state.

Authorities have emphasized the urgent need for better maternal healthcare services, stricter regulation of child marriages, and increased awareness about the dangers of early pregnancies. The alarming figures serve as a wake-up call for improving healthcare access, especially in rural and underserved areas, to prevent further maternal losses.