3,359 women died since Jan 2006 during childbirth in MP

Bhopal, Nov 27 (UNI) As many as 3,359 maternal mortality cases were reported in Madhya Pradesh since January 2006, the government told the Assembly today.

The highest number -- 224 -- died during childbirth in backward Shahdol district, Health Minister Ajay Vishnoi told Mr Ram Niwas Rawat (Congress) in a written reply, adding that tribal districts recorded higher maternal mortality. However, 135 such cases were reported in Bhopal also.

The state received central assistance of Rs 337.46 crore under the National Rural Health Mission and Rs 282.90 crore under Reproductive Child Health during 2006-08.

Mr Vishnoi admitted that 162 women hailing from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families died in hospitals during childbirth since the Vijayraje Janani Bima Kalyan Yojana came into force on May 12, 2006.

The scheme provides for compensation of Rs 50,000 in maternal mortality cases involving BPL women.

UNI