By Lt. Col. Dr. Taranjeet Kaur
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist | Advisor, PERGE Foundation – India
Dr. A. Kumar
Public Health Expert & Social Activist | Founder, PERGE Foundation – India
A nation’s progress is reflected in the health of its women, the safety of its children and access to quality healthcare. Healthy mothers and children are essential to a stronger India. This requires clinical medicine and public health to work together: clinicians manage risks and complications, while public health addresses social and economic barriers affecting communities.
What the health indicators tell us
According to the Sample Registration System of the Office of the Registrar General of India, the Maternal Mortality Ratio was 88 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births during 2021–23. NFHS-5 (2019–21) reported anaemia among 57.0% of women aged 15–49 and 67.1% of children aged 6–59 months; 35.5% of children under five were stunted. These figures describe the survey periods, not current estimates for 2026, and underline the need for sustained maternal care, nutrition and prevention.
Safe pregnancy begins with timely care
Regular antenatal check-ups help monitor maternal and foetal health. Blood pressure checks, anaemia screening, recommended investigations and early identification of high-risk pregnancies can help prevent or manage complications. Yet distance, transport problems, financial hardship, limited awareness and social constraints can delay care. Vaginal bleeding, severe headache, blurred vision or difficulty breathing during pregnancy require urgent medical assessment and should never be dismissed as routine discomfort. Clinicians must manage complications, while public health services help women reach care promptly.
Nutrition and anaemia need more than treatment
Anaemia is linked not only to medical needs but also to nutrition, food security, awareness and access to services. Screening, appropriate treatment and recommended supplements under healthcare guidance are important during pregnancy. Counselling alone cannot resolve widespread nutritional challenges. Families need nutritious food, reliable information and support. Income, education, women’s participation in family decisions and local service availability influence outcomes; responses must combine clinical care, nutrition support, health education and social protection.
Every newborn deserves a healthy start
Essential newborn assessment, thermal care, support for early breastfeeding, timely immunisation and follow-up help protect newborn health. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by appropriate complementary foods while breastfeeding continues. Difficulty breathing, inability to feed or unusual lethargy requires prompt medical assessment. Children’s health also depends on adequate nutrition, immunisation, sanitation, a safe environment and routine healthcare beyond the delivery room.
Maternal mental health and social conditions matter
Persistent sadness, excessive anxiety, hopelessness or difficulty managing daily activities should not be ignored. Family support, shared responsibilities and non-judgemental listening help, alongside professional care when needed. Women deserve dignity, privacy and a voice in decisions about their healthcare. Education, income, housing, sanitation, transport and social status shape outcomes: advice is difficult to follow when food is unaffordable, facilities are distant or family circumstances prevent care.
A shared responsibility
Governments, healthcare institutions, clinicians, public health experts, NGOs and communities must coordinate services and assess timely antenatal care, nutrition and access for vulnerable families. PERGE Foundation – India can contribute through awareness, prevention and community engagement. Campaigns matter most when linked to accessible services and measurable improvements. Safe childbirth, newborn care, nutrition and mental health support must advance together. Every woman deserves safe motherhood, every child a healthy beginning and every family reliable information and quality healthcare. Working together, medicine and public health can help build a more equitable, resilient India.
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