FOGSI launches maternal death review in India

The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), the apex body of obstetricians and gynaecologists in the country, has joined hands with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) to launch "maternal death review" programme in economically-backward areas of India.

FOGSI president Hema Divakar told a news conference here Friday that this exercise would help strengthen maternal healthcare services delivery and to contribute to the reduction of Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in India.

Under the programme, the organisation will probe the circumstances leading to the death of the pregnant women and share the findings with the district and state authorities.

FOGSI implemented maternal death review programme on a pilot basis in Sikar and Jhunjhunu districts of Rajasthan.

"The programme revealed that women die because of the delay in seeking care. Deaths also occur during transfer to a health facility with better facilities and inability of the health facility to provide services due to lack of blood storage, skilled health professionals and/or availability of drugs," she said.

FOGSI plans to undertake a similar programme in Karnataka.

"The findings will facilitate strengthening of the maternal healthcare services delivery in Karnataka. It will also help the government practitioners take preventive and corrective measures to save lives," said Divakar, who heads Karnataka's state expert committee to analyse maternal mortalities.

FOGSI has also partnered with FIGO in Leadership in Obstetrics and Gynaecology for Impact and Change (LOGIC) Initiative in maternal and newborn health.

"The FIGO and FOGSI have joined hands with the government of India and other partners to revise the Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) training curriculum," said C. N. Purandare, president-elect, FIGO.

FOGSI, in association with FIGO, is organizing a three-day international conference on recent advances in obstetrics and gynaecology here from Friday.

FOGSI vice president S. Shantha Kumari said some world-renowned experts were participating in the conference which will discuss recent advances in obstetrics and gynaecology.