Mandya District Administration Launches Comprehensive Drive to Eliminate Maternal Deaths
In a decisive move to safeguard maternal health, Mandya Deputy Commissioner Kumara has issued stringent directives to primary health center medical officers, mandating comprehensive measures to prevent maternal fatalities and work toward achieving zero maternal mortality across the district. The instructions were delivered during the maternal death surveillance and response internal audit meeting held on Friday.
Addressing Alarming Maternal Death Statistics
Speaking at the meeting, Kumara highlighted a concerning trend, noting that seven maternal deaths were recorded in January and February alone. He stressed that this alarming figure necessitates heightened vigilance and immediate action from all healthcare stakeholders. The deputy commissioner emphasized that every maternal death must be treated as a serious case, with thorough investigations conducted to identify systemic gaps and implement corrective measures to improve care standards.
Key Directives for Maternal Healthcare Improvement
Kumara outlined several critical steps that medical officers must implement:
- Ensure proper and regular Antenatal Care screenings for all expectant mothers.
- Implement robust preventive measures based on screening outcomes.
- Launch community awareness campaigns to educate the public about maternal health importance.
- Prioritize deliveries at district hospitals with adequate facilities.
- Focus on both prenatal and postnatal care continuity.
- Ensure timely distribution of iron and calcium supplements to pregnant women, meticulously tracking through "Mother Card" records.
- Manage emergency vehicles effectively to support rapid medical response during critical situations.
Major Infrastructure Upgrades at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences
Simultaneously, the deputy commissioner directed officials to expedite all pending infrastructure works at the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences to strengthen healthcare services and enhance facilities for both patients and medical students. Kumara emphasized that ongoing projects must be completed within stipulated timelines without further delays.
Priority on Cancer Care Center Operationalization
A key priority highlighted during the meeting was the early operationalization of the proposed Cancer Care Centre at MIMS. Officials received explicit instructions to ensure that all required infrastructure, medical equipment, and essential facilities are installed at the earliest possible date to make this critical service available to the community.
Technical and Infrastructure Enhancements
The meeting also covered several technical upgrades for the hospital:
- Increasing the institution's electrical load capacity from 350 kV to 650 kV to ensure uninterrupted power supply for medical equipment and operations.
- Engineers from the health and family welfare department were asked to prepare detailed estimates for upgrading the casualty unit and minor operation theatre to improve emergency medical services.
- Infrastructure improvements across the MIMS campus are currently underway, with drainage systems and internal road works being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore through corporate social responsibility funds.
Additional Development Proposals
Officials were instructed to quickly submit estimates for any pending work in the infrastructure sector. The Director of MIMS received specific directions to pursue government approval for the Rs 5 crore modernization of the central sterile supply department and to prepare a comprehensive proposal for procuring new laundry machinery along with related civil works. Additionally, a Rs 10 crore proposal to renovate hospital wards was discussed, with engineers directed to finalize the necessary blueprints for this significant upgrade.
These coordinated efforts represent a comprehensive approach to healthcare improvement in Mandya district, addressing both immediate maternal health concerns and long-term infrastructure development to create a more robust medical ecosystem for all residents.
