New Government Directives Target Gaps in Emergency Obstetric Care After Maternal Death Audit Findings
Bengaluru: The Government of Karnataka has issued a comprehensive set of directives for all public health institutions providing delivery care, aiming to address critical gaps in maternal and newborn healthcare across the state.
The order, released on Thursday, comes in response to findings from a recent maternal death audit report that flagged systemic and administrative shortcomings in healthcare delivery.
Mandatory Blood Bank Tie-Ups for Emergency Care
To prevent delays during obstetric emergencies, hospitals have been directed to establish advance agreements with at least two to three government or licensed private blood banks. This ensures uninterrupted availability and rapid transport of blood and blood products when required.
Additionally, the government has mandated that 25% of blood collected through donation camps must be supplied to government healthcare facilities. District health officials will be responsible for monitoring compliance with this directive.
Strict Rules for Specialist Doctors’ Availability
In a move to strengthen emergency obstetric services, the government has made it compulsory for specialist doctors to reside at their designated headquarters instead of commuting from distant locations.
If complaints arise regarding absenteeism, specialists will be required to mark attendance twice daily—at 10 am and 10 pm—to ensure accountability and availability during emergencies.
No Deputation from Single-Specialist Hospitals
The order clearly prohibits the deputation of gynaecologists from hospitals where only one specialist is available. Such doctors cannot be assigned to laparoscopic tubectomy operation (LTO) camps or other surgical programmes.
This step aims to ensure uninterrupted maternal and emergency obstetric care at healthcare facilities already facing staff constraints.
Mandatory Use of Digital Labour Monitoring Tool
The government has reiterated the compulsory use of the ARC partograph system, a digital tool designed to monitor labour in real time and detect complications early.
Authorities have warned that non-compliance with these directives will be treated as serious negligence and may result in withholding of incentives for healthcare providers.
Push Towards Zero Maternal Deaths
Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced an allocation of Rs 320 crore to reduce preventable maternal mortality to zero in the state.
The latest directives are part of a broader strategy to strengthen public healthcare systems, improve accountability, and ensure timely medical intervention for mothers and newborns.
The initiative underscores Karnataka’s commitment to enhancing maternal healthcare outcomes and preventing avoidable deaths through systemic reforms and stricter monitoring.
