Unequal Impact on Women
The Pakistan Demographic Survey 2020 reports, only 30% of childbirths in Balochistan are attended by a doctor.
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Maternal mortality rate and child mortality rate are important signifiers of the state of a country’s healthcare system and overall well-being. The country’s outdated figures on the two indicators are not promising, with even starker differences among provinces and regions. The Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey 2019 reports the maternal mortality ratio to be 186 deaths per 100,000 live births. This number is even higher in Balochistan at 298 deaths per 100,000 live births.
The high frequency of deaths among women can be attributed to accessibility issues and an overall lack of attention to the group. In the recent Pakistan Demographic Survey, most childbirths in Balochistan were attended by a traditional midwife or 'Dai'. Whereas, urban regions and other provinces had more doctors available to attend to women.
One can only wonder how the group is enduring the harsh conditions resulting from floods. The minister for state, recently told UNFPA, that 650,000 pregnant women lacked healthcare services and a safe place to deliver. More than 190 healthcare units have been destroyed by the floods so far. Additionally, the occurrence of anemia-related deaths is also projected to increase as displaced pregnant women face food shortage issues.
Numerous policy and administrative interventions are required to protect vulnerable women. Whether before or after the floods, Pakistan has a pattern of inefficient healthcare spending. Even with recent flood relief efforts, and government-private partnerships, there is little hope for marginalized communities due to infrastructural hurdles.
GRAPHICS OF THE DAY
Most live births in Punjab occurred in a hospital, with a doctor. Whereas, most women gave birth to children at home in Balochistan, either due to a lack of facilities or accessibility problems
Around 70% of births in Balochistan were attended by a traditional midwife/Dai or relatives. This leads to a high maternal mortality rate due to complications during delivery
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