District Collector Sumit Kumar at a review meeting on maternal deaths in Chittoor on Tuesday. | Photo credit: HANDOUT
District Collector Sumit Kumar on Tuesday (February 24, 2026) directed the medical and non-medical staff to ensure that every cadre of the medical and health department strictly adheres to the assigned duties and continuously monitors pregnant women from conception to institutional delivery.
The collector, during a review meeting with the medical and health department, examined the two maternal deaths reported in January in Chittoor district. He directed District Medical and Health Officer DT Sudharani to submit details of case history, time schedule and gaps in care.
“Special attention should be given to identify high-risk pregnancies at an early stage and ensure mandatory check-ups, nutritional support, management of anemia and timely referral to higher health facilities whenever complications arise,” the Collector said.
Mr. Sumit Kumar directed the field workers to intensify surveillance of teenage pregnancy and prevent child marriage. The Collector directed that Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan be conducted infallibly on 9th day of every month in all Primary Health Centers with comprehensive screening, nutritional counseling and distribution of free medicines.
Women with co-morbidities such as heart disease, thyroid disorders, hypertension and diabetes must receive specialized care, the Collector said, stressing that high-risk expectant mothers should be identified in advance, admitted at least a week before delivery and closely monitored to ensure safe delivery.
Published – 24 Feb 2026 20:21 IST
