Buldhana recorded 66 child and 10 maternal deaths in a year; four mothers died on the way to hospital

Buldhana: Although the health department says every delivery in the district takes place in a government or private hospital, its own report for 2025-26 records 66 child deaths and 10 maternal deaths. Forty-two of the 66 children were newborns who died within 28 days of birth.

Severe bleeding after delivery was the leading cause of maternal deaths, accounting for five. Three women died of other serious illnesses and the rest of infections and bleeding before delivery. Four of the mothers died while they were being taken to hospital for treatment, the report notes.

Low birth weight, premature birth, congenital defects, blood infections, asphyxia at birth and delayed delivery were found to be the main causes of the child deaths.

The department says it is focusing on regular check-ups, medication and protein-rich food to prevent malnutrition and anaemia among pregnant women. Other steps include timely use of the 102 and 108 ambulances and special training for labour-room staff, and a special newborn care unit has been set up at the Women's Hospital in Buldhana. District health officer Ranjeet Mandale said the district's child mortality rate is lower than the state and national averages and that measures are under way to reduce it further.

Source: Navarashtra