Aims for Over 90% Institutional Deliveries to Enhance Maternal Health

Shillong, India Jul 17, 2026 ALN: The government seeks to increase institutional deliveries to over 90% as part of its efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes across the state.

The target was discussed during a review of the state’s health sector chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday with Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, focusing on strengthening healthcare delivery and improving key health indicators.

During the review, the government noted encouraging improvements reflected in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), including a decline in maternal deaths, which it attributed to higher institutional deliveries supported by initiatives such as the Chief Minister’s Safe Motherhood Scheme that provides transport assistance to pregnant women.

While acknowledging the progress made, the government said efforts would be intensified to increase institutional deliveries beyond the 90% mark.

The meeting also reviewed measures to improve first-trimester registration of pregnancies, ensure timely iron and folic acid supplementation for expectant mothers, and strengthen antenatal and postnatal care through the coordinated efforts of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, Accredited Social Health Activists, and Anganwadi workers.

The government further discussed expanding the Community Caregiver Initiative with the support of village organisations and self-help groups to strengthen community-based healthcare services.

Child nutrition and preventive healthcare also figured prominently during the review. The government resolved to promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, improve nutritional support for children, encourage appropriate birth spacing, and step up awareness on non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, through lifestyle interventions and preventive healthcare measures.

The review forms part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare outcomes and improve the delivery of health services across the region. The push for higher institutional deliveries is not just a statistic; it is a reflection of the government’s commitment to enhancing the overall health landscape in the state, which has historically faced challenges in maternal and child health indicators.

Institutional deliveries, which refer to childbirth that occurs in a healthcare facility, are crucial for ensuring that mothers and their newborns receive the necessary medical care during and after delivery. The significance of this initiative lies in the fact that skilled healthcare professionals are present to manage complications that may arise during childbirth, thereby reducing the risks associated with maternal and neonatal mortality.

In the context of , where geographical challenges and socio-economic factors can hinder access to healthcare, initiatives like the Chief Minister’s Safe Motherhood Scheme play a vital role. By providing transport assistance, the government is addressing one of the key barriers that pregnant women face when seeking institutional care. This is particularly important in rural areas where healthcare facilities may be located far from where women reside.

The review also highlighted the importance of early registration of pregnancies, which is essential for monitoring maternal health and ensuring that expectant mothers receive the necessary care throughout their pregnancy. First-trimester registration allows healthcare providers to identify potential risks early and provide timely interventions, thus improving health outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Iron and folic acid supplementation is another critical component of maternal care. These supplements are vital for preventing anemia in pregnant women, which can lead to serious complications during childbirth. The government’s commitment to ensuring that expectant mothers receive these supplements in a timely manner is indicative of its broader strategy to improve maternal nutrition and health.

Antenatal and postnatal care are also crucial in the continuum of maternal healthcare. Antenatal care encompasses the medical supervision and support that women receive during pregnancy, while postnatal care focuses on the health of mothers and newborns after delivery. The involvement of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, Accredited Social Health Activists, and Anganwadi workers in these processes is essential, as they serve as the backbone of community healthcare in many regions, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

The Community Caregiver Initiative aims to further enhance the reach and effectiveness of healthcare services at the community level. By leveraging the support of village organisations and self-help groups, the government is fostering a model of healthcare that is not only accessible but also culturally sensitive and tailored to the specific needs of the community. This grassroots approach can be particularly effective in addressing health disparities and ensuring that marginalized populations receive the care they need.

Child nutrition is another focal point in the government’s strategy to improve health outcomes. The promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is backed by extensive research indicating its benefits for infant health, including a lower risk of infections and improved growth and development. The government’s commitment to improving nutritional support for children reflects an understanding of the long-term implications of childhood nutrition on overall health and wellbeing.

Additionally, raising awareness about non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension is crucial in a changing health landscape where lifestyle-related diseases are becoming more prevalent. The government’s focus on preventive healthcare measures is an acknowledgment of the need for a proactive approach to health that goes beyond treating illnesses to preventing them in the first place.

In conclusion, the government’s ambitious target of achieving over 90% institutional deliveries is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes in . By addressing key areas such as antenatal and postnatal care, nutrition, and community-based healthcare, the government is laying the groundwork for a healthier future for mothers and children in the state. The implications of these efforts extend beyond immediate health outcomes; they are likely to contribute to broader socio-economic development by fostering a healthier population capable of contributing to the community and the economy.