Karnataka’s MMR to be reduced by more than 40 % and aim to achieve global standards: says state’s Minister of Health and Family Welfare at a Conference organized by RVU and IIPA

• The conference discussed recent data from the Sample Registration System that indicates Karnataka’s MMR is the highest in all of Southern India.

Bengaluru, 26 September 2025: In an effort to address the state’s maternal health issues, Indian Institute of Public Administration, Karnataka Regional Branch, in partnership with RV University’s Center for Global Health and Development, hosted a one-day conference on “Reducing Maternal Mortality in Karnataka”.  It was held at MineRVa Auditorium, RV Centre for Leadership & Executive Education, Bengaluru.

The conference discussed recent data from the Sample Registration System. Karnataka’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 68 per 100000 live births stands out regionally; neighbouring states report MMRs largely in the 30s, with Telangana at 59. The panelists  explored targeted solutions across taluka hospitals, community outreach, workforce strengthening, and data systems.

The event brought together policymakers, public health experts, and medical professionals to deliberate on the causes behind Karnataka’s high MMR and to chart an evidence-based roadmap for rapid improvement. Keynote addresses were delivered by Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, and Dr. Sharana Prakash R. Patil, Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development.

“Karnataka aims to have a mission for Zero preventive maternal deaths” said Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister of Health and Family Welfare. “In yesterday’s cabinet meeting we took a decision that all taluka hospitals, all the important community health centres will have a minimum of two gynecologists, two pediatricians, and one radiologist. 24*7 hospitals should function. Our goal is to bring Karnataka’s MMR down to  40 from 68 in the next two and half years, and ultimately we aim to reduce it to 20 and achieve global standards.  A healthy mother means a healthy child, and together they ensure a healthier society.”

“Let us be clear: In the 21st century, being pregnant and giving life should be a sacred joy, not a sentence of risk. We are witnesses to the silent crisis of preventable maternal deaths.” Dr Ranjini. C. Raghavendra, Director of Center for Global Health and Development, RV University added,  “Yes, Karnataka has achieved the SDG target, reducing our MMR to 68 . This is a mirror that shows us our MMR is the highest in all of Southern India. It is a harsh truth that, for a state of our intellect and resources, we are failing to keep pace with our neighbours. The ₹320 crore mission to bring preventable maternal deaths to zero should not merely be an allocation; it should be the guarantee of the State Government. Our mandate from this conference is to create the operational machinery for this. This is a call to action.”.

Dr B L Sujatha Rathod, Director of Medical Education, Government of Karnataka remarked, “Any High-risk pregnancies and MMR test not only our medical knowledge but also our commitment to maternal and foetal well-being. This academic gathering reminds us to reduce maternal and foetal mortality and we must keep upgrading our skills and expanding our perspectives.”

It centered on critical themes, including “Preventing Maternal Deaths: Solutions and Strategies,” “Translating Evidence into Policy: NGO and Research Perspectives on Maternal Mortality Reduction,” and “Strengthening Health System Capacities for Safe Motherhood Across All Levels of Care.”

Delegates reviewed successful models from neighbouring states and international best practices, stressing that reducing maternal deaths requires both health system fixes and community-level engagement.

The conference concluded with a call for a state-level maternal mortality acceleration plan, combining short-term lifesaving interventions with longer-term investments in health systems and social determinants.

About Indian Institute of Public Administration, Karnataka Regional Branch:

The Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), Karnataka Regional Branch, is a public service organization established in 1957. The institution is dedicated to advancing the study and practice of public administration and governance. It provides a platform for civil servants, academics, and policymakers to engage in dialogue and contribute to research and training in public policy.