Revolutionizing Maternal Healthcare: How Technology Can Save Lives in Karnataka

Karnataka is embarking on a transformative journey in maternal healthcare, with leading experts advocating for a powerful alliance between medical expertise and cutting-edge technology. At a pivotal policy dialogue co-organized by the National Health Mission (NHM), Karnataka, and UNICEF, the consensus was clear: technology holds the key to dramatically reducing maternal mortality and ensuring safer pregnancies for women across the state.

While Karnataka's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) stands at a commendable 69 per lakh live births – significantly better than the national average of 97 – the state is not resting on its laurels.

The ambitious goal is to further slash this figure to 40, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1 target. Achieving this requires a targeted approach to the primary culprits: postpartum haemorrhage (severe bleeding), hypertension (high blood pressure), and sepsis (infections), which account for a majority of maternal deaths.

A major hurdle, especially in remote and underserved areas, remains the "three delays": delay in seeking care, delay in reaching a healthcare facility, and delay in receiving appropriate care.

The dialogue illuminated how digital innovation can directly address these challenges. Dr. S Shivakumar, Director of NHM Karnataka, underscored the critical need for accurate data collection and quality healthcare.

"Technology can bridge gaps in services, especially in remote areas," he noted, emphasizing the potential for improved monitoring and intervention.

A cornerstone of the proposed strategy is the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) models. Imagine a system that can proactively identify pregnant women at high risk, allowing for timely, preventive interventions.

Dr. Sunil Kumar, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at RML Hospital Delhi, highlighted AI's "immense potential" in predicting such risks, enabling healthcare providers to allocate resources effectively and offer personalized care pathways.

Telemedicine and tele-consultations emerged as vital tools for democratizing access to specialized medical advice.

By connecting pregnant women and local health workers, such as Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), with gynaecologists and other specialists in urban centers, geographical barriers can be dismantled. This not only empowers frontline workers with expert guidance but also ensures that critical decisions are made swiftly, especially in emergency situations.

Beyond remote consultations, the vision includes a comprehensive digital ecosystem.

This encompasses digital tools for robust record-keeping, replacing paper-based systems with accurate, real-time data that can be analyzed to identify trends, hotspots, and areas requiring immediate attention. Mobile applications tailored for expectant mothers could provide essential health information, medication reminders, and direct channels for communication with their healthcare providers.

Wearable devices could offer continuous monitoring of vital signs, alerting both the woman and her doctor to potential complications early on.

Innovation doesn't stop there. Discussions also touched upon the groundbreaking use of drones for the rapid transport of essential medical supplies, like blood units, to far-flung regions during emergencies – a potential game-changer for saving lives where every second counts.

Furthermore, ensuring digital literacy among health workers and communities is seen as crucial to maximizing the adoption and effectiveness of these technologies.

Dr. Arundhathi Chandrashekar, Mission Director, NHM, Karnataka, stressed the importance of these technological interventions in overcoming the "three delays" that often prove fatal.

Dr. Rashmi Kumar from WHO further elaborated on the need for a holistic digital approach that integrates various platforms and ensures interoperability for seamless data exchange and coordinated care.

The collaborative spirit of the dialogue, involving experts from academia, government, international organizations like UNICEF, and industry leaders from companies such as Philips and Intel, underscores a shared commitment.

By embracing this technological revolution, Karnataka aims not just to meet but to exceed its maternal health targets, setting a new benchmark for accessible, high-quality, and life-saving care for every mother.