Karnataka has the highest stillbirth rate

Karnataka, which has been doing fairly well in managing and reducing other health indicators, has the dubious distinction of having the highest stillbirth rate — 12 deaths per 1,000 births — in the country, according to Sample Registration Survey (SRS) 2013. However, it’s worth noting that some States have zero stillbirths, which could indicate an absence of a proper reporting system. The State’s perinatal mortality rate stands at 30 per 1,000 live births. This, too, is higher than the country’s average of 26 per 1,000 births. Stillbirths and perinatal mortality are the only two health indicators where Karnataka fares badly. While this is a reflection of the poor perinatal care in rural areas, officials said stillbirths reported from bigger State-run maternity hospitals are on the higher side. “This is because most high-risk pregnancies are referred to these hospitals,” State Deputy Director (Child Health) M.V. Vijay Kumar said.

Source :-The Hindu, 15-Dec-2015