PUNE: Considering large number of maternal mortality due to Eclampsia (a life-threatening complication of pregnancy), the Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists Society of India (FOGSI) has demanded emergency 108 number ambulance service, which is not available in the state.  In India, Eclampsia is the major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality, which is preventive.

Eclampsia is a complication during pregnancy, where the 7 or 8-month pregnant woman goes Hypertensive. Eclampsia is prevalent particularly in the rural parts of the country, due to non-availability of the required vaccine Magnesium Sulphate and adequate transport facilities. Also, the health workers are found to have inadequate knowledge about vaccination and other first aid in these cases. Speaking on the reasons of Eclampsia, FOGSI president Dr Sanjay Gupte told Sakaal Times, “Compared to western countries, the ratio of Eclampsia is higher in our country. Eclampsia is preventative, but due to ignorance towards health, pregnant women at peripheral region do not go for regular health check up. When they come, their blood pressure has already risen.” Early detection and regular check up, right from before planning the pregnancy to nine months of pregnancy can mitigate the risk.

As the transport facility is not effective, FOGSI is emphasising on dial 108 ambulance service to reduce the mortality rate. "In neighbouring states of Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Gujarat, the 108 ambulance service is available. In urban areas, the ambulances reach within 15 minutes ,while in rural areas it takes hardly 20-25 minutes. If the service is provided in Maharashtra, it will help Eclampsia patients," Gupte added.

Over 1 lakh deliveries have been registered till date at its hundred centres in the country, including 25 centres in the state. The maternal mortality rate in our country is 450 deaths per one-lakh deliveries, out of which 19 per cent deaths are caused due to Eclampsia. With Pune among the 25 centres in Maharashtra, the experts at centres record the information of such patients, create awareness among pregnant women and train the nurses and healthcare workers regarding treatment of Eclampsia.

THE THREAT

Eclampsia is a complication during pregnancy, where the 7 or 8-month pregnant woman goes Hypertensive.