Maternal Mortality: A FOGSI Study (Based on Institutional Data).

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study of maternal deaths through FOGSI members is to see its current STATUS. METHOD A three-year retrospective observational study from January 2005 to December 2007 formed the basis for collection of the data for analysis. RESULTS A wide variation of maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the five zones (West-342; South-229; East-709; North East-709 and North-814) was observed. Leading causes of maternal deaths also varied among the zones [hemorrhage in West (31 %), South (26 %), and North East (21.5 %); hypertension in East (34 %) and North (22 %)]. When the data were analyzed as a whole, the leading causes of deaths were determined as hypertension (29.4 %), hemorrhage (21.56 %), sepsis (15.05 %), and medical disorders (12 %). Analysis of data in India (including Kerala State) for the year 2005 revealed significant drop in MMR to 147. CONCLUSION MMR in India varied widely in zones. There is significant difference in MMR for the whole country as well as for the south zone with or without inclusion of Kerala. Areas of discrepancy in data had been observed in different sources. Prioritization of causes of death and appropriate allocation of resources are needed. A prospective study for evaluation of exact MMR in India is an immediate necessity.