Punjab: The private sector contributes significantly to institutional deliveries, but the lack of a structured postpartum care system is a major setback. In contrast, the government sector ensures follow-up care through accredited social health activists (ASHAs) and auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs), who make home visits, provide counselling and facilitate access to health services for both mothers and newborns. However, in the private sector, it is the mother’s responsibility to visit the hospital after delivery, as there is no provision for home visits. Data collected by the district health department showed that 22 maternal deaths occurred in private hospitals during 2024-25, while 17 in government hospitals. Additionally, four maternal deaths occurred in transit, taking the total for the year to 43.
Taking cognizance of this, the district health department has also written to the Indian Medical Association (IMA). District Family Welfare Officer Dr Amanpreet Kaur said, “After several maternal deaths in private hospitals, we have asked the IMA to instruct these facilities to ensure proper postpartum follow-up.” She further said that private hospitals have been urged to conduct necessary diagnostic tests such as CBC, LFT and RFT to detect early signs of liver or kidney failure in new mothers. “They should also follow up through phone calls to monitor the mother’s health, especially in case of high-risk patients,” she said. Dr Amanpreet said many pregnant mothers opt for private hospitals due to the misconception that government facilities are inadequate or due to peer pressure, even if a private hospital stay and procedure is out of their reach. “In such cases, new mothers often avoid returning to private hospitals for follow-up care due to high charges or travel distance. The private sector does not provide home visits and lack of postpartum care can lead to preventable maternal deaths,” she said. A gynaecologist in the private sector in the city said, “Postpartum care provided to mothers and their newborns after delivery is crucial to ensure their well-being and promptly address potential health issues. It is a period of significant physical and emotional change for the mother and postpartum care helps facilitate a smooth transition into becoming a parent. Additionally, it is also important to monitor the baby’s growth and development and address any potential health issues as early as possible.” Gurjot Kaur, a resident of Shimlapuri, shared the heart-wrenching story of her daughter’s death after delivery. She said, “She had high blood pressure during and after pregnancy. She was treated with medication during pregnancy, but due to lack of guidance, she stopped taking the medication after delivery. No one paid attention to her condition, which eventually led to her death.”
