Visakhapatnam Collector calls for stronger monitoring of high-risk pregnancies after six maternal deaths in 2026

District Collector Abhishikth Kishore has directed health officials on Wednesday (October 21, 2026) to strengthen monitoring of high-risk pregnancies and ensure timely referrals following six maternal deaths reported in the district between January and June 2026.

The Collector reviewed the cases at a meeting of the District Maternal Death Surveillance and Response Committee held at the Collectorate.

The six deaths were reported within the limits of the New Gajuwaka, Bhavani Gardens, PM Palem and Balaji Nagar urban health centres, and the Gajuwaka and Sontyam primary health centres.

Mr. Kishore directed officials to maintain detailed case histories of high-risk pregnancies and ensure that private hospitals reported such cases to the district health authorities.

Medical officers were instructed to refer high-risk cases to King George Hospital (KGH) or Victoria Government Hospital (VGH) in Visakhapatnam without delay.

District Medical and Health Officer P. Jagadeeswara Rao said medical officers and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) would be held responsible for preventing further maternal deaths.

Officials were also directed to improve antenatal care, identify hypertension at an early stage and ensure timely access to diagnostic services, nutrition and birth planning support.