We hosted an event in collaboration with MSD for Mothers on November 14, 2024, that brought together key stakeholders including government, healthcare professional bodies, non-profits, and academia. We published an ecosystem study outlining a roadmap for change which details the progress made in the sector, where it stands now, and the measures needed to take it further.
The event provided a platform for experts from diverse backgrounds to discuss strategies to improve maternal health outcomes. They agreed on the following:
- Collaboration is Key to Scale ‘Quality of Care in Maternal Health’ (MHQoC):
Cross-sector partnerships came up as a key priority at the event. Mr. Rizwan Koita, Chairperson, NABH, highlighted how collaboration between professional bodies, government agencies, and private sector players, like the NABH-FOGSI partnership, is crucial for scaling quality care and accreditation nationwide.
Dr. Archana Patil, Ex-Director of Health Services, Government of Maharashtra, shared Maharashtra’s success with LaQshya-Manyata, demonstrating the significance of public-private collaboration in improving maternal care. However, Dr. Archana Patil emphasised that challenges such as infrastructure gaps and workforce training remain significant barriers, underscoring the need for a continued, coordinated effort to scale solutions like Manyata for Mothers.
- The Manyata for Mothers Initiative: A Model for Sustainable Quality Care
The keynote addresses emphasised the transformative impact of the Manyata certification programme.
Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, Immediate Past President of FOGSI, highlighted that Manyata for Mothers’ success lies in its ability to offer sustainable and continuous quality care by empowering healthcare providers to implement high standards independently even after certification. With the backing of NABH’s rigorous guidelines and FOGSI’s clinical expertise, Manyata for Mothers is providing a replicable model that can be scaled nationwide, especially in small nursing homes and medical centers.
Dr. Rishma Pai, FOGSI President 2017, and Dr. Hema Divawakar, National Convenor, FOGSI-Manyata, highlighted Manyata for Mothers’ emphasis on respectful maternity care (RMC) and holistic approach to care as crucial for fostering a culture of respect and dignity for women at every stage — from antenatal visits to postpartum care. Their success provides a replicable model that can be scaled nationwide, especially in small nursing homes and medical centers.
- Client-Centred Care is Essential to Ensure Quality of Care
A central theme of the event was the importance of tailoring maternal healthcare to the specific needs of women. Dr. Neeta Rao, Senior Health Lead, USAID, stressed the need for healthcare services to be flexible and responsive, not just clinically, but also financially and culturally. By ensuring that care meets women’s individual needs, maternal health programmes can be more effective in improving outcomes.
- Perinatal Mental Health is a Critical Yet Overlooked Aspect of Maternal Health
Dr. Geetha Desai, Consultant Perinatal Psychiatry Services, NIMHANS, highlighted the importance of addressing perinatal mental health, which encompasses mental health issues during pregnancy and the postpartum period, as part of comprehensive maternal care.
Conditions such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and trauma often go unnoticed, yet they can profoundly impact a mother’s well-being, her ability to bond with and care for her child, and her overall health outcomes. Raising awareness among healthcare providers about the mental health challenges women face throughout the perinatal period is essential to improving both maternal and child health outcomes.
- Digital Health for Accessibility
Ms. Surabhi Goel, Chief Operating Officer, Koita Foundation, emphasised that digital health tools like telemedicine are essential for bridging care gaps, particularly in remote areas. Integrating such technologies into the healthcare system can expand access and improve maternal care delivery.
- Governance and Accountability Drive Quality Improvement
Effective governance and accountability systems are crucial for ensuring consistent quality across the healthcare system. Dr. Priti Kumar, Manyata CSE Lead – Lucknow, called for routine evaluations and stronger governance mechanisms to ensure that all healthcare facilities adhere to established standards of care. She added that empowering women through education about their rights to Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) can drive accountability and enable patients to demand better care. Systems for grievance redressal further support this effort by ensuring that healthcare providers remain answerable to the people they serve.
- Evidence-Based Interventions are Crucial for Closing Care Gaps
The importance of evidence-based decision-making was emphasised to address persistent issues, such as discrimination during childbirth and variability in service quality. Dr. Nomita Chandhiok, Former Senior Deputy Director General at ICMR, highlighted the need for standardising and mandating respectful maternity care (RMC) across both public and private sectors. Establishing frameworks for monitoring and ensuring RMC compliance is key to improving care outcomes, while data can guide improvements in maternal healthcare services nationwide.
- Training Healthcare Workers is Key to Scale Innovation
Training healthcare professionals, especially in digital health and new care standards, is essential for scaling quality care. The panellists highlighted that continual professional development in RMC, alongside training in digital health and new care standards is imperative to improve maternal health outcomes. By including RMC as a core component of academic curricula, medical colleges can ensure that new healthcare professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide compassionate and respectful care. This training, coupled with innovation centers driven by students, can also foster the development of localised solutions.
The event made it clear that improving maternal health in India requires a multi-faceted approach, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based practices. From programmes like Manyata for Mothers to initiatives that integrate mental health into care, significant progress has been made. However, there is still much work to be done. By continuing to work together, leveraging digital health, and ensuring that women’s needs are at the center of all efforts, we can build a more equitable and effective maternal healthcare system.
The time to act is now. Let’s come together to make maternal health a priority for all women, ensuring that every mother receives the care, respect, and support she deserves.
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