Decline in Maternal Mortality Ratio

As per the Special Bulletin on Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) released by the Registrar General of India, MMR of India has declined by 10 points.

• The ratio has declined from 113 in 2016-18 to 103 in 2017-19 (8.8 % decline).
• The country has been witnessing a progressive reduction in MMR from 130 in 2014-2016, 122 in 2015-17, 113 in 2016-18, and to 103 in 2017-19.

Significance: Achieving the National Health Policy Target - With this persistent decline, India was on the verge of achieving the National Health Policy (NHP) target of 100/lakh live births by 2020 and certainly on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 70/ lakh live births by 2030.