The West Bengal government is preparing to introduce strict measures to address the rising concern of maternal mortality in the state, with discussions underway on a potential law limiting families to two children. The proposal was deliberated in detail during a recent high-level meeting at Swasthya Bhawan, where officials reviewed the state’s maternal health indicators.

A review conducted by the Health Department has identified two primary reasons for premature maternal deaths: underage pregnancies and repeated childbirth without adequate spacing. Health Minister Dr. Shardwat Mukherjee expressed serious concern over reports from several districts where women died while delivering their 13th or 14th child. Many of these cases, officials noted, involved women from minority communities.

Highlighting alarming statistics, the Health Minister stated that West Bengal currently ranks first in the country in terms of underage pregnancies. The issue is particularly acute in areas such as Suti-I, Suti-II, and Shamsherganj. Calling the situation deeply concerning, Mukherjee emphasized the urgent need for intervention to protect the health of both mothers and children.

Free contraceptive support for families

To address the issue, the government is encouraging families to limit themselves to two children. Couples are being advised to approach local government health centres after the birth of their second child. The state will provide both permanent and temporary contraceptive solutions free of cost, aiming to promote responsible family planning and reduce health risks associated with frequent pregnancies.

The maternal health discussion formed part of a broader announcement marking the state government’s completion of 100 days in office. The Health Minister outlined 23 key achievements and future initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery across West Bengal.

New medical college in Kolkata

Among the major announcements is the establishment of a new government medical college in Kolkata. The initiative is expected to expand medical education opportunities and improve access to healthcare services in the region.

In a move to diversify treatment options, Ayurvedic facilities will now be introduced in general government hospitals. Previously available only in dedicated Ayurvedic institutions, patients will now be able to consult Ayurvedic practitioners alongside allopathic services within the same hospital.

Mandatory free beds in private hospitals

The government has also made it compulsory for private hospitals to reserve a certain number of beds for economically disadvantaged patients. In cases where government hospitals lack availability, patients will be transferred to private facilities at the state’s expense.

To test the efficiency of this system, a mock drill involving the transfer of a patient from SSKM Hospital to KPC Medical College was recently conducted. Officials reported that the process was carried out successfully, indicating improved coordination between public and private healthcare institutions.

With the proposed policy and expanded healthcare measures, the West Bengal government is placing renewed emphasis on awareness, accessibility, and preventive care. Officials believe that timely intervention and improved access to family planning resources will play a crucial role in reducing preventable maternal deaths in the state.