Maternal mortality in Telangana has risen slightly, but remains below the national average

Telangana’s maternal mortality rate (MMR) remains significantly below the national average, despite an increase in the latest data released by the state’s Indian Registration Director.

According to the Special Announcement on Maternal Mortality Rate in India in 2019-21 – Sample Registration System (SRS), Telangana’s MMR has 45 deaths per 100,000 living births. This is an increase from the 43 estimates previously recorded in the 2018-20 report. Despite the increase, Telangana remains one of the best performing states in maternal health, while the decline in national MMR average dropped from 97 in 2018-20 to 93 in 2019-21.

The report highlights regional differences in maternal deaths, with southern states consistently reporting lower MMR. Kerala leads the 20s with the lowest MMR, followed by Maharashtra (38), Telangana (45), Andhra Pradesh (46), Tamil Nadu (49) and Karnataka (63). In contrast, states such as Madhya Pradesh (175), Assam (167), and Uttar Pradesh (151) have the highest maternal mortality figures.

Maternal mortality is a key health indicator, reflecting the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. The World Health Organization defines maternal death as death that occurs during or within 42 days of termination, due to reasons related to pregnancy or management, and does not include accidental or accidental reasons.

To better assess regional trends, the report divides states into three categories: countries composed of “authorized action groups” (EAG), whose historically weaker health indicators, such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh; “Southern” groups, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu; and “other” states and trade union territories.