Punjab: 1 maternal death a day due to infection in May

Vishav Bharti
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 21

Taking a heavy toll on expectant mothers, the state is on average losing at least one pregnant woman to Covid-19 every day this month.

In 2020-21, 440 maternal deaths were reported in the state due to various reasons. Of these, 21 died due to Covid. The situation started deteriorating during the second wave, with six pregnant women dying of the infection in April. However, the number of deaths among expectant mothers rose sharply in May.

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Data available with The Tribune for the first 20 days suggests an average death of one pregnant woman per day due to the infection. So far, 17 expectant mothers have lost their life this month.

At present, 126 pregnant women are suffering from Covid in various hospitals across the state. Mohali has the maximum number of such patients at 17, followed by Jalandhar (11), Roopnagar (10), Ferozepur and Sangrur (eight each), Muktsar, Kapurthala and Bathinda (seven each). Dr Areet Kaur, Director National Health Mission, Punjab, says under “Mission Fateh 2”, the state was focusing on rural areas.

“We are laying emphasis on maternal health. They are being screened and tested for Covid on the spot and required interventions are being done,” she said.