Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
4. Despite various governmental measures aimed towards reducing it, maternal mortality rate (MMR) remains high in certain parts of India. Examine the reasons behind the persistence of high MMR and suggest additional measures that could be implemented to address this issue. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
According to a recent report, the progress made by countries towards reducing maternal and newborn deaths has stagnated since 2015. The report, released by the United Nations, revealed that more than 2.5 million newborns and 260,000 women die annually, mostly due to preventable causes.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the high MMR in certain parts and measures needed to tackle it.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by giving statistic regarding MMR in India and how it is relatively high in certain parts of the country.
Body:
Frist, write about the various measures against MMR – LaQshya, Poshan Abhiyan, Janani Suraksha Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan Initiative (SUMAN) etc.
Next, write the reasons why there are high trends of MMR in India despite above measures.
Next, write about the measures that are needed to reduce mortality rates in low performing states.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
