An Indian Institute of Technology Madras study has found significant improvements in maternal and newborn healthcare outcomes in Tamil Nadu following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, the research analysed eight years of data, from 2017 to 2024, collected through Tamil Nadu’s 108 emergency response system across 42 districts.
The study was led by Kandaswamy, a retired IPS officer and Professor of Practice in the Departments of Management Studies and Data Science and AI at IIT Madras.
The findings revealed a 19% reduction in maternal mortality and more than a 36% decline in home deliveries compared to pre-pandemic levels. Researchers also reported improvements in neonatal and infant health outcomes, along with faster emergency response and hospital handoff times.
According to the study, miscarriages declined by 28%, while complicated vaginal births fell by 19.2%. Neonatal mortality dropped by 17% and infant mortality by 14%. The maternal mortality ratio declined to 37 deaths per 100,000 live births, marking a 19% reduction from pre-pandemic levels and remaining significantly lower than the national average.
The study noted that by 2023 and 2024, the State’s maternal and newborn health indicators had surpassed even pre-pandemic levels, supported by sustained government investment in emergency healthcare infrastructure.
Researchers said the findings highlight how stronger healthcare systems, efficient emergency medical services, and focused public health investments can create lasting improvements in maternal and newborn care.
