AP Launches Maternal Emergency Care Training for Doctors

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Friday, 3 July 2026

The Andhra Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Department has launched a specialised training programme for doctors and nursing staff to strengthen emergency obstetric care and reduce preventable maternal deaths. Implemented in partnership with the non-governmental organisation Swasti and the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), the initiative focuses on improving the early detection and management of postpartum haemorrhage and eclampsia, two of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the state.

Key Highlights:

• Andhra Pradesh launches maternal emergency care training for frontline health workers
• First phase trains 75 doctors and nurses from Anantapur and Bapatla
• State plans statewide rollout to reduce preventable maternal deaths

The programme forms part of the state's broader strategy to enhance maternal healthcare by equipping frontline medical professionals with evidence-based skills to manage life-threatening complications during childbirth and the immediate post-delivery period. According to Health Commissioner Chakradhar Babu, strengthening emergency obstetric care at primary and secondary healthcare facilities is essential to reducing avoidable maternal deaths.

The first phase of the initiative saw nearly 75 healthcare professionals, including gynaecologists, Primary Health Centre medical officers, staff nurses, and community health officers from Anantapur and Bapatla districts, participate in a two-day training programme at Mangalagiri. The pilot programme is expected to serve as the foundation for a larger statewide rollout covering healthcare personnel across all districts.

Official data indicate that postpartum haemorrhage and eclampsia together account for around 43% of maternal deaths in Andhra Pradesh. Postpartum haemorrhage contributes approximately 20% of maternal mortality, while eclampsia accounts for about 23%. Both conditions require rapid diagnosis and timely medical intervention, as delays in treatment can quickly become life-threatening for mothers during or after childbirth.

The training programme introduced participants to the latest evidence-based protocols for preventing, identifying, and managing obstetric emergencies. Healthcare workers received practical instruction on uterine massage, prompt administration of oxytocin and tranexamic acid, intravenous fluid management, and continuous patient monitoring through the internationally recognised E-MOTIVE care bundle. The sessions also stressed the importance of making timely clinical decisions and initiating treatment before referring patients to higher healthcare centres whenever necessary.

FOGSI National President Dr Madhuri and Andhra Pradesh chapter representative Dr Susheela highlighted the need for more widespread use of calibrated drapes to measure blood loss during childbirth accurately. They noted that these simple yet effective tools remain underutilised despite their ability to support early diagnosis of postpartum haemorrhage and improve clinical outcomes.

Dr Madhuri emphasised that early identification of haemorrhage and pre-eclampsia, combined with immediate treatment before referral, can significantly reduce maternal mortality and improve survival rates.

Following the successful completion of the first phase, the Andhra Pradesh government plans to extend the programme to healthcare workers across the state. By providing doctors, nurses, and frontline medical staff with updated clinical knowledge and practical emergency care skills, the Health Department aims to strengthen maternal healthcare services, improve treatment outcomes, and significantly reduce preventable maternal deaths, ensuring safer pregnancies and childbirth for women across Andhra Pradesh.