AP maternal mortality ratio climbs despite strong overall performance

Visakhapatnam: The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Andhra Pradesh has gone up from 30 deaths per one lakh live births in 2021‑23 to 39 in 2022‑24, according to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) data.This could largely be attributed to a slight increase in MMR in tribal parts and remote rural areas of the state. For example, Alluri Sitarama Raju district recorded 22 maternal deaths in 2025-26, the highest for any district in the state. Similarly, the backward Anantapur district posted 18 deaths. Limited health infrastructure and difficult terrain affecting access to healthcare facilities in these districts could be posing major challenges.Even with the increase in MMR, Andhra Pradesh continues to perform better than the national average of 87. Only Kerala and Tamil Nadu have reported lower or similar figures. The SRS bulletin highlights a clear regional divide. Southern states together recorded an MMR of 41, while the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states and Assam reported a much higher 116.Weak healthcare systems, poor access in rural areas, and low maternal health indicators continue to affect those regions. In Andhra Pradesh, officials say the recent rise is mainly due to deaths in tribal and remote areas where emergency transport and healthcare access are still difficult. Reviews found gaps in referral systems and postnatal care.The state records an average of 7 lakh childbirths every year. About 8 to 10 years ago, Andhra Pradesh used to record nearly 400 maternal deaths annually. Numbers rose during the Covid‑19 pandemic but later declined. In 2025-26, the state reported 253 maternal deaths. Worryingly, 235 of these deaths happened while women were being shifted between hospitals or after referral for higher treatment.According to an analysis conducted by the authorities, delays and poor coordination in emergency referrals were a major factor. Twenty‑four women died during transport itself. Among those referred to a second hospital, 53 died; 76 died after being shifted to a third hospital; 40 died at a fourth facility; and none survived after being moved to a fifth hospital. Some women also died at home without timely medical help. Alluri Sitarama Raju district reported the highest deaths at 22, followed by Anantapur (18), Srikakulam (15), and Guntur (14).Despite these challenges, the long‑term trend for Andhra Pradesh is positive. Over the past decade, maternal deaths have steadily reduced thanks to better institutional deliveries, antenatal care, emergency obstetric services, and rural outreach. Infrastructure has also improved, with more referral units, maternal and child health wings, obstetric ICUs, and birth waiting homes in tribal areas.NO CAUSE FOR CONCERNAP’s maternal mortality rate rose from 30 to 39 in 2022-24State well below India’s MMR average of 87, and is among India’s best-performing in maternal healthcareOnly Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra reported lower/similar MMRSouthern states recorded a combined MMR of 41EAG states and Assam reported a higher MMR of 116