Pune: PMC Reports 70 Maternal Deaths In One Year; Most Victims Lived Above Poverty Line
Pune, 10th April 2025: A total of 70 maternal deaths were reported in Pune between April 2024 and March 2025, according to data released by the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Health Department. Of these, 52 cases were from families living above the poverty line, raising concerns about timely access to healthcare and decision-making during pregnancy-related emergencies.
Among the deceased, 26 women were residents of areas within the PMC limits, 25 were from outside the municipal boundary, and 19 were from other districts. Notably, 45 of the women had education levels beyond class eight, while only five were illiterate. Data was unavailable for three cases, and 17 women had studied up to class eight.
In comparison, the previous year (April 2023 to March 2024) saw 79 maternal deaths. These included 31 within PMC limits, 31 outside city limits, 16 from other districts, and one from another state. During that period, 65 of the deceased were from above poverty line families.
The data also revealed that in 22 of this year’s cases, the families failed to take timely decisions to take the woman to the hospital. Only one case involved a delay in reaching the hospital, and none of the deaths were attributed to lack of timely treatment at the hospital itself. For 42 cases, detailed records regarding timing and care were unavailable.
As per PMC Health Officer Dr. Neena Borade, every maternal death undergoes an investigation by the Maternal Death Review Panel. The Panel evaluates three key factors: whether the family made the decision to take the woman to the hospital on time, if there was any delay in reaching the hospital, and whether timely medical intervention was provided. This assessment helps identify the precise reasons behind maternal fatalities and improve future response mechanisms.
