Karnataka Confronts Alarming Stillbirth Surge with New High-Level Surveillance Panel

In a critical move to address a distressing public health crisis, the Karnataka government has established a high-level surveillance committee to thoroughly investigate the alarming surge in stillbirth rates across the state. This urgent intervention comes as data reveals a concerning increase, prompting immediate action from health authorities.

The newly formed 11-member committee, spearheaded by the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, is a multidisciplinary body comprising leading experts in obstetrics, pediatrics, community medicine, and public health.

Their mandate is clear: to meticulously analyze the root causes behind this tragic rise in stillbirths, review existing data, identify specific geographic hotspots, and recommend actionable strategies to curb this distressing trend.

Official figures have cast a stark light on the gravity of the situation.

From April 2023 to March 2024, Karnataka recorded an unsettling 13,873 stillbirths. The state's stillbirth rate stands at 8.7 per 1,000 live births, notably higher than the national average of 6.8 per 1,000 live births (as per the Sample Registration System 2021). This disparity underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions within Karnataka.

Several factors are believed to contribute to this complex issue.

Experts point to potential deficiencies in antenatal care, including late or insufficient check-ups, which can lead to undetected complications. Maternal malnutrition, gestational diabetes, hypertension, and various infections during pregnancy are also significant contributors. Furthermore, late referrals of high-risk pregnancies to specialized facilities and gaps in the quality of institutional deliveries are under scrutiny.

The panel will also delve into potential issues of underreporting in certain areas and ensure data accuracy.

The committee is tasked with a comprehensive examination of all stillbirth cases reported, focusing on the circumstances surrounding each incident. This includes reviewing medical records, assessing the availability and accessibility of maternal health services, and evaluating the effectiveness of current health programs.

The panel will also gather insights from ground-level health workers and local communities to ensure a holistic understanding of the challenges.

Dr. Randeep D., Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, emphasized the government's unwavering commitment to maternal and child health. He stated that the committee's findings will be crucial in formulating evidence-based policies and strengthening healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

The goal is not only to understand the 'why' but also to swiftly implement effective solutions that save lives and prevent further heartbreak.

This initiative represents a critical step towards safeguarding the health of mothers and infants in Karnataka. The findings and recommendations of this high-level panel are eagerly awaited, as they will pave the way for a more robust and responsive maternal healthcare system, ensuring that every pregnancy has the best possible outcome.