Mandya: Deputy commissioner Kumara Friday instructed primary health centre medical officers to take comprehensive measures to prevent maternal deaths and work towards achieving zero maternal mortality in the district.Speaking at the maternal death surveillance and response (RCH) internal audit meeting, he noted that seven maternal deaths occurred in Jan and Feb and stressed the need for heightened vigilance. Kumara directed medical officers to ensure proper Antenatal Care (ANC) screenings, implement preventive measures, and raise community awareness on maternal health. He said district hospitals must prioritise deliveries and treat every maternal death case seriously to identify gaps and improve care standards. He also highlighted the importance of both prenatal and postnatal care, ensuring timely distribution of iron and calcium supplements to expectant mothers based on “Mother Card” records. Additionally, he urged effective management of emergency vehicles to support rapid medical response. Meanwhile, the DC directed officials to expedite all pending infrastructure works at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) to strengthen healthcare services and improve facilities for patients and students. Kumara emphasised that ongoing projects must be completed within stipulated timelines. A key priority highlighted during the meeting was the early operationalisation of the proposed Cancer Care Centre at MIMS. Officials were instructed to ensure the required infrastructure, equipment, and facilities are installed at the earliest. Technical upgrades for the hospital were also discussed. Officials were instructed to take necessary steps to increase the institution’s electrical load capacity from 350 kV to 650 kV, ensuring uninterrupted power supply. Engineers attached to the health and family welfare department were asked to prepare estimates for the upgrading of the casualty unit and minor operation theatre to improve emergency medical services. Meanwhile, infrastructure improvements across the MIMS campus are currently underway. Drainage systems and internal road works are being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore through corporate social responsibility funds. Officials were asked to submit estimates quickly for any pending work in this sector. The Director of MIMS was instructed to pursue govt approval for the Rs 5 crore modernisation of the central sterile supply department and prepare a proposal for procuring new laundry machinery along with related civil works. Additionally, a Rs 10 crore proposal to renovate hospital wards was discussed, with engineers directed to finalise the necessary blueprints.
