Maternal health disparities in district Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh: a time series analysis using health management information system records

This study focused on investigating the status of maternal health in Jhansi District, Uttar Pradesh, India. A comprehensive analysis of data obtained from the health management information system (HMIS) spanning the period from 2010 to 2020. The findings of this study indicate notable fluctuations in the percentage of first-trimester ANC registrations, accompanied by an overall improvement in compliance with the recommended number of ANC checkups. In addition, the study identifies a growing inclination towards institutional deliveries and increased utilization of cesarean section (C-section) procedures. This study emphasizes the urgent and continued implementation of measures to enhance timely access to ANC services and to ensure the presence of skilled birth attendants during all childbirths. These insights are of substantial significance to policymakers and healthcare providers in their efforts to advance maternal healthcare services, diminish maternal mortality rates, and enhance women’s overall well-being in Jhansi District, Uttar Pradesh, India. The study recommends reinforcing ANC services, promoting collaborative initiatives to improve maternal health outcomes, and establishing clear guidelines and regular quality audits to ensure the appropriate utilization of C-sections.

Contact tracing of health care workers as a part of health system strengthening: lessons learnt from field experience

Health care workers (HCWs) are the frontline workers working tirelessly during the pandemic of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The same HCW, after duty, is exposed to his/ her community which again increases the risk of infection. Hence, with an increased risk of exposure, we cannot afford to lose our frontline workers due to sickness or more. In the absence of any definitive antiviral treatment, unclear modes of transmission, burnout working hours, fatigue, societal stigma related to disease etc., a HCW is exposed to psychological distress and many a time develops an anxiety/panic condition which can increase the chances of work-place error and thus can increase the likelihood of infection. In this article, we have shared our experience with contact tracing among HCWs, what we have learned in the past two years, and proposed a way forward.