Kerala unveils action plan to eliminate preventable maternal and child deaths
The state has approved two roadmaps featuring a high-risk pregnancy registry and enhanced neonatal intensive care services.
Kerala has approved two roadmaps to eliminate preventable maternal and child deaths, according to a report by South First. The plans, titled Zero Preventable Maternal Death – State Action Plan Keralam, 2026 and Zero Preventable Child Death – Keralam Action Plan 2026, were approved on 25 October.
The Director of Health Services submitted the detailed roadmaps to the government on 3 October. The initiatives were prepared with consultation from clinicians and organisations including the Kerala Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (KFOG), the Indian Academy of Pediatrics - Keralam Chapter, and the National Neonatology Forum, Keralam Chapter.
To track high-risk pregnancies, the state will implement a statewide digital registry linked to the Unique Health Identification (UHID) and Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) systems. A Keralam Pregnancy Risk Score (KPRS) will also be introduced to identify women needing closer monitoring.
The maternal health strategy includes 24-hour availability of obstetricians, anaesthesiologists, and trained nursing staff at designated delivery centres. The plan proposes the Keralam Maternal Obstetric Early Warning Score (MOEWS) to identify signs of deterioration in pregnant women.
For newborn care, the plan envisages trained resuscitation personnel at every delivery point and a real-time dashboard for neonatal ICU bed availability. It also proposes a tiered network of Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) and Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).
Special outreach is planned for migrant families and Scheduled Tribe settlements in Wayanad, Idukki, and Palakkad. Under the Keralam Clinical Establishments Act, all infant deaths must be notified within seven days.