Strategies for Safe Motherhood in Tamil Nadu: A Note

Abstract

It is important to identify and outline the role of governments, health and other sectors, communities, and households to achieve faster reductions in maternal mortality. 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). Against this backdrop, we review the policy experience of Tamil Nadu in achieving faster decline in maternal mortality. Tamil Nadu not only allows capturing the role of developmental factors but also presents an interesting case to explore the importance of governance in health systems. The public health system in Tamil Nadu has promoted skilled care by ensuring adequate supply of human resources for health and by improving access to a functioning referral system.