Strategies for Safe Motherhood in Tamil Nadu: A Note

While most states in India are grappling with the problem of high MMR, states such as Tamil Nadu have managed to reduce MMR levels to 79 deaths per 100,000 live births (SRS 2011–13). This review also presents a framework for synergistic policy to cover determinants including health system, economic growth, developmental infrastructure, education, nutritional status and a focus on the marginalised sub-groups. The paper identifies that for sustained MMR reduction, Tamil Nadu has to eliminate intra-state inequities and focus on interventions to reduce all preventable causes of maternal deaths. It is expected that some of the lessons from the Tamil Nadu experience can be replicated by Empowered Action Group states to achieve faster reductions in maternal mortality.