Haryana to observe 'Zero Preventable Maternal Death' fortnight from July 7
Every Pregnant Woman to Receive Quality Healthcare: Health Minister
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 6, 2026: Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao on Monday reaffirmed the state government's commitment to ensuring that every pregnant woman receives timely, quality and comprehensive maternal healthcare, announcing that the Health Department will observe a 'Zero Preventable Maternal Death' Fortnight across the state from July 7 to July 22.
The campaign, to be implemented by the National Health Mission (NHM), Haryana, aims to further reduce the state's maternal mortality rate by strengthening maternal healthcare services and ensuring that no preventable maternal death occurs.
Speaking about the initiative, Rao said the campaign reflects the government's commitment to safeguarding the lives of mothers through accessible, equitable and high-quality healthcare services.
"Every pregnant woman in Haryana should receive timely, quality and comprehensive maternal healthcare. No woman should be deprived of essential antenatal care or institutional delivery services," the minister said, directing officials to intensify community outreach efforts across the state.
She urged healthcare providers in both the government and private sectors to work in close coordination during the campaign to ensure safe pregnancies and timely medical intervention. Rao also appealed to families to encourage regular antenatal check-ups, recognise warning signs during pregnancy and seek immediate medical care whenever necessary.
Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), Haryana, Dr. R.S. Dhillon, said detailed review meetings had been held with Civil Surgeons from all districts to ensure effective implementation of the campaign.
He said district health authorities have been instructed to proactively identify high-risk pregnancies, strengthen antenatal care, ensure timely referrals, maintain round-the-clock readiness at First Referral Units (FRUs) and closely monitor women requiring specialised care.
Dr. Dhillon added that district officials have also been directed to maintain strict surveillance and respond swiftly to obstetric emergencies. The campaign will place special emphasis on timely referrals, emergency transportation, availability of blood and blood components, specialist obstetric care and uninterrupted functioning of labour rooms and maternity facilities.
Health teams comprising ASHAs, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), staff nurses and medical officers have also been instructed to intensify community outreach to ensure that every pregnant woman receives essential antenatal care and delivers in a healthcare institution.
Meanwhile, NHM Director Dr. Virender Yadav said the department has sought active cooperation from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Haryana, and the Haryana chapter of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) to support the campaign.
As part of the initiative, private hospitals associated with IMA and FOGSI will provide two free postnatal check-ups to women who deliver at their facilities within seven days of childbirth. The move is aimed at ensuring quality postnatal care and early identification of complications that could endanger the health of new mothers.
The Health Department expressed confidence that the coordinated efforts of government agencies, healthcare professionals, frontline workers and private medical institutions would help make the fortnight-long campaign a significant step towards eliminating preventable maternal deaths and ensuring safe motherhood across Haryana.