Visakhapatnam Collector calls for stronger monitoring of high-risk pregnancies after six maternal deaths in 2026

District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore. PHOTO FILE | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO

District Collector Abhishikth Kishore on Wednesday (October 21, 2026) directed health officials to strengthen monitoring of high-risk pregnancies and ensure early referrals following six maternal deaths reported in the district between January and June 2026.

The Collector reviewed the cases at a meeting of the District Maternal Death Surveillance and Response Committee held at the Collective.

Six deaths were reported within the city health centers of New Gajuwaka, Bhavani Gardens, PM Palem and Balaji Nagar and the primary health centers of Gajuwaka and Sontyam.

Mr. Kishore directed officials to keep detailed case histories of high-risk pregnancies and ensure that private hospitals report such cases to district health authorities.

Doctors have been instructed to immediately refer high-risk cases to King George Hospital (KGH) or Victoria Government Hospital (VGH) in Visakhapatnam.

District Medical Officer and Health Officer P. Jagadeeswara Rao said that doctors and auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) would be responsible for preventing more maternal deaths.

Officials were also directed to improve prenatal care, identify hypertension at an early stage and ensure early access to diagnostic services, nutrition and birth planning support.

Published – 21 Oct 2026 20:42 IST