The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Andhra Pradesh has risen 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 increase is largely attributed to a slight rise in MMR in tribal parts and remote rural areas of the state.
District-Wise Analysis
Alluri Sitarama Raju district recorded 22 maternal deaths in 2025-26, the highest for any district in the state. Similarly, the backward Anantapur district reported 18 deaths. Limited health infrastructure and difficult terrain affecting access to healthcare facilities in these districts pose major challenges.
Comparison with National and Regional Averages
Despite the increase, 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, with southern states together recording an MMR of 41, while the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states and Assam reported a much higher 116.
Factors Behind the Rise
Weak healthcare systems, poor access in rural areas, and low maternal health indicators continue to affect these 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 remain difficult. Reviews found gaps in referral systems and postnatal care.
Annual Births and Historical Trends
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 occurred while women were being shifted between hospitals or after referral for higher treatment.
Emergency Referral Challenges
According to an analysis conducted by 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).
Long-Term Positive Trend
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.
Key Statistics at a Glance
- Andhra Pradesh MMR rose from 30 to 39 in 2022-24
- State well below India's MMR average of 87
- Only Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra reported lower or similar MMR
- Southern states recorded a combined MMR of 41
- EAG states and Assam reported a higher MMR of 116
