Punjab Records 2nd Consecutive Drop In Maternal Mortality, Reaches 111

Punjab has suffered a dip in the maternal mortality ratio for the second consecutive year from 117 in 2023 to 111 in 2024 and 2025.

Punjab Records 2nd Consecutive Drop In Maternal Mortality, Reaches 111

Punjab has suffered a dip in the maternal mortality ratio which decreased from 117 in 2023 to 111 in 2024 and 2025. According to the data from the state health department, this is the second consecutive year to face such a dip. But, it is still worse than the national average that stands at 93. As per the the World Health Organization (WHO), MMR, a key health indicator for mothers, refers to the number of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births in a given time period. Officials state that this decline is due to the strengthening of maternal care services and improvements of institutional deliveries across the state.

According to a statement from the senior health officer, "The decline in MMR is a positive sign for the health of mothers. However, it is still above the national average. Several districts have MMR above 150, which is concerning. We are focusing on early detection of high-risk pregnancies and have been regularly holding maternal death reviews to identify lapses."

According to the data, Punjab's MMR was 128 in 2020 -21, which rose to 129 in 2021-22. In 2022-23, the MMR slightly decreased to 121.

Even as the state's MMR improved, health officials expressed concern over "alarmingly" high rates in several districts.

In contrast to the state's improvement, Ferozepur's MMR jumped from 238 in 2023-24 to 440 in 2024-25. Similarly, Sangrur's MMR almost doubled in this time, from 124 in 2023-24 to 238 in 2024-25.

Key Facts You Must Know About Maternal Mortality: WHO

• According to WHO data from 2023, every day over 700 women in the world died from multiple preventable causes that were elated to pregnancy and childbirth.
• In 2023, one maternal death occurred almost every 2 minutes.
• The maternal mortality ratio between 2000 and 2023 dropped by about 40% globally.
• More than 90% of all maternal deaths occurred in low- and lower-middle-income countries in 2023.
• Care by skilled health professionals before, during and after childbirth can save the lives of women and newborns.