Tue Jan 21 20:14:56 IST 2025: ## Karnataka Launches Statewide Antenatal Care Campaign After Maternal Deaths

**Bengaluru, January 22, 2025** – In response to recent maternal deaths in Karnataka, the state’s Health Department will launch a comprehensive antenatal care campaign, “Maatrutva Suraksha Abhiyaan,” to improve maternal health and safety. The initiative, to be launched by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Wednesday at a large health camp in Raichur, will provide free health check-ups for pregnant women twice a month, on the 9th and 24th of each month, at all state-run facilities.

The campaign aims to address gaps in maternal healthcare services, particularly highlighted by recent deaths in Ballari. It will focus on providing quality care, especially to high-risk pregnancies, with dedicated follow-up consultations. Key components include mandatory oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) for gestational diabetes, routine folic acid and calcium supplementation, immunization, and the administration of two doses of tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccines. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, weight gain, and blood tests will also be conducted for early detection of complications.

Minister Rao has instructed officials to raise awareness about proper nutrition and the importance of folic acid, alongside educating families on recognizing danger signs during pregnancy and accessing emergency care. The campaign represents a significant step towards improving maternal health outcomes in Karnataka.

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