Balochistan continues to face alarmingly high maternal, infant and neonatal death rates, mainly due to poor access to healthcare, a severe shortage of skilled birth attendants, widespread malnutrition, early marriages and inadequate medical facilities. Most of these deaths are avoidable, as they result from preventable complications such as excessive bleeding, infections and lack of timely and proper care for mothers and newborns.
Although there has been slight improvement in mortality rates over recent years, the overall situation remains deeply concerning. Many women still give birth without trained medical support, especially in remote and rural areas, where health facilities are either absent or poorly equipped.
The authorities must take serious and immediate steps to ensure equal access to quality healthcare services across the province. This includes improving health infrastructure, deploying trained medical staff to underserved areas, ensuring maternal nutrition and raising awareness about safe motherhood practices. Preventing avoidable deaths is not just a health issue; it is a moral responsibility that demands urgent action.
Mahdeem Ibrahim
Turbat
