‘With 108, we can help expecting mothers’

In spite of the advancement in health care, Maharashtra’s maternal mortality rate of 375 per one lakh women is indeed something to worry about. In order to combat this problem, the Pune Obstetric and Gynaecological Society has long been demanding that the telephone number 108 be reserved as an exclusive maternity ambulance number. Vice president of the society, Dr Mukta Umarji, tells DNA about the need for such an emergency number and its benefits.

Why is the society demanding a helpline number for a maternity ambulance service?
Despite the progress in medical technology, the attitude towards pregnancy is still pretty lax among the general public. Lack of proper infrastructure and delayed medical care are some of the major causes of maternal mortality in the state. In times of emergency, the correct medical help does not reach many expecting mothers in time. People are usually unaware about the phone numbers for ambulances. Also, ambulances used to transport expectant mothers should be fully equipped to conduct an emergency delivery.

If we have a special number for maternity ambulances, it would drastically help to reduce the maternal mortality rate.

The number 108 is easy to remember and will provide instant medical help. Ambulances that answer to this call will be fully equipped to conduct a delivery, if needed. This service is already operational in Gujarat where the maternity mortality rate has gone down.

How has the state government responded to this proposal?
At the state and national levels, various associations of obstetrics and gynaecologists have strongly advocated the use of this number. Since the last few months, we have been conducting various activities, like seminars and workshops, to examine the different aspects involved in such a project. We have submitted a detailed proposal to the government on the issue. The reports have focused on maternity care, anaesthetics, availability of ambulances and so on. We have contacted policy-makers at various levels to build pressure from all sides. However, unfortunately, the
response of the government has been anything but good. It shows
no interest in implementing this proposal.
How confident are you of this project seeing the light of day?
To be honest, I am not at all confident that Maharashtra will even implement this project. The political will seems to missing. The only way we have is to build public pressure through the media and outreach programmes, so as to create the right pressure on the powers that be to pay heed to our proposal and take concrete measures in this regard.