By Maryam Noureen Janjua
Maternity health encompasses the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It is a critical aspect of healthcare, aiming to ensure both maternal and neonatal well-being. Comprehensive maternity health services include prenatal care, skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric care, and postnatal support. These services are vital for detecting and managing complications, promoting healthy pregnancies, and supporting maternal mental health. Effective maternity health care reduces maternal and infant mortality rates, enhances the health of mothers and babies, and contributes to overall community well-being.
Maternity health in Pakistan faces significant challenges, marked by high maternal and neonatal mortality rates. Limited access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas, exacerbates these issues. Cultural norms and socio-economic barriers often impede women from seeking timely medical care. One of the most formidable challenges of recent time is cesarean section. In Pakistan, the rate of cesarean sections (C-sections) has been rising, reflecting both medical necessity and elective preferences. While C-sections can be life-saving, their increasing prevalence raises concerns. Many are performed without medical indications, driven by factors such as convenience, financial incentives, and lack of awareness. The downside includes higher risks of surgical complications, infections, and longer recovery times compared to vaginal births.
Pakistan’s Healthcare Expenditure is 2.9% of its GDP
Amidst this fancy business of medical science, Dr Tayyaba Wasim is a beacon of hope for patients in Lahore. According to an estimate, she has dealt with more than 70,000 delivery cases out of which 70% are normal deliveries. As Pakistan is one of the fastest growing countries by population, the maternity issues have gotten severe with ailing health of mothers and newborns. As doctor Tayyiba is working as gynecologist in Mid City Hospital Lahore, she has become a preferred choice for expecting couples for normal delivery. However, Dr. Tayyiba is just one good example in an overall ailing maternal health structure of Pakistan.
Pakistan’s healthcare expenditure is about 2.9% of its GDP, which is relatively low compared to global standards. Life expectancy stands at approximately 67 years, with a high infant mortality rate of 55.7 per 1,000 live births and a maternal mortality rate of 186 per 100,000 live births. Access to healthcare is uneven, with rural areas suffering from a lack of facilities and medical professionals. There are about 1.2 doctors and 0.6 nurses per 1,000 people, indicating a significant workforce gap. Immunization coverage is improving but still below optimal levels, with around 75% of children receiving basic vaccines.
Additionally, NGOs and international organizations are actively involved in enhancing maternal health through education, improved healthcare facilities, and training of skilled birth attendants. The introduction of initiatives like the Sehat Sahulat Program aims to reduce financial barriers to accessing healthcare. While progress is being made, sustained efforts are crucial to address disparities, ensure equitable access to quality maternity care, and ultimately improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes in Pakistan. Dr. Tayyiba’s recognition at global level is self-evident that there are professionals among doctors who pursue internationally standardized practices for healthcare regardless of healthcare as a money-making venture.
United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 and Pakistan
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 aims to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. Currently, the global average stands at approximately 211 per 100,000 live births. Advances in telemedicine, mobile health applications, and improved diagnostic tools are enhancing access to prenatal and postnatal care, particularly in remote areas. Innovations like portable ultrasound devices and AI-driven health monitoring systems are providing timely, accurate care. Investments in education and healthcare infrastructure are essential, with projections suggesting a potential 50% reduction in maternal deaths by 2030 in well-supported regions.
The future of maternal health in Pakistan shows promise but requires concerted efforts and strategic investments. Pakistan currently has a maternal mortality ratio of approximately 186 per 100,000 live births. With the implementation of targeted health programs, this figure could be significantly reduced. Government initiatives, such as the Sehat Sahulat Program, aim to improve access to quality maternal care, especially for marginalized communities. The Lady Health Worker Program is pivotal in delivering essential maternal and child health services in rural areas. Projections indicate that with sustained efforts, maternal mortality could decrease by up to 30% by 2030. Expanding access to skilled birth attendants, enhancing prenatal and postnatal care, and improving healthcare infrastructure are critical steps.
Dr. Tayyiba has played a transformative role in improving maternal health by championing the cause of normal deliveries. Her advocacy for natural birthing methods has led to a significant reduction in unnecessary cesarean sections, thereby lowering surgical risks and enhancing recovery times for mothers. Through her educational initiatives and hands-on training programs, Dr. Tayyiba has empowered healthcare providers and expectant mothers with the knowledge and confidence to pursue normal deliveries. Her commitment to maternal health has not only improved clinical outcomes but also fostered a culture of informed decision-making and holistic care in maternity health services.
