Reducing neonatal and maternal deaths in India

Hitex Healthcare proposes usage of sterile ready to use disposable delivery set during delivery

India accounts for more than one fourth neonatal global death figures. A neonatal death is defined as a death during the first 28 days of life (0-27 days). Early neonatal death refers to a death between 0-6 days after birth. Late neonatal death refer to a death between 7-27 days after birth. Maternal death can be defined as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and the site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes. Pregnancy-related and infant deaths in the country has been a cause of concern according to the latest data released by the Registrar General of India. The figures of maternal mortality rate (MMR) vary across the country. There are states which have reacted to the situation and implemented measures in bringing down the MMR. Kerala and Tamil Nadu have surpassed the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The figures not only vary across different state, the situation in districts of same state also differ. For example, in Bihar the lowest is in Patna and double the figure is in Madhepura.

Women need not die in childbirth. We must give a young woman the information and support she needs to control her reproductive health, help her through a pregnancy, and care for her and her newborn well into childhood. The vast majority of maternal deaths could be prevented if women had access to quality family planning services, skilled care during pregnancy, childbirth and after delivery, or post-abortion care services and where permissible, safe abortion services. Over a period of time, the percentage of institutional deliveries has been going up steadily. The schemes launched by government through NRHM has been instrumental in spreading awareness. State governments also have been taken initiative in reaching out to the remotest corner of the state.

Hitex Healthcare will like to propose usage of sterile ready to use disposable delivery set during delivery. The set has been developed under the guidance of experienced and leading gynaecologists. The fabric used is non-woven SMMMS, bi-laminates, tri-laminates etc which has been accepted world-wide as a barrier product. The proposed sets have all basic items needed for both types of deliveries and are very simple to use. As the sets are sterile, it can be used in remote areas as well where sterilisation facilities do not exist. Workshops and initial training for nurses and midwife needs to be conducted throughout each district. It will ensure hygienic conditions during delivery and will go a long way in bringing down the rate of mortality during delivery.