Author:

Abstract

lntroduction: Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Sri Lanka has decreased from 405 per 100,000 live births in 1955 to 39.3 per 100,000 live births in 2006. Family Health Bureau (FHB) statistics indicate there is a large inter-district disparity of MMR in Sri Lanka

Objectives; To compare the external contributory factors leading to maternal mortality and morbidity in the districts of Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa. And, also to compare the availability of staff in maternal care in the above 2 districts.

Method: A retrospective analysis of data collected from the RDHS offices and hospital statistics units of Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa districts, regarding the health care personnel & MMR in each district in 2008-2010. Study was carried out from March to May 2011.

Results: Number of pregnant mothers per PHM was higher in Anuradhapura district (AD) compared to Polnnaruwa district (PD). Number of deliveries per each midwife was higher in Anuradhapura teaching hospital (ATH) compared to Plonnaruwa General hospital (PGH). Available health care staff in obstetric wards in ATH is low compared to PGH. The MMR was better in AD compared to PD in the years of 2008-2010.

Conclusion: Human resources have been unequally distributed among the 2 districts in the years 2008- 2010. As a result ATH is burdened with a heavy work load. Yet the MMR in AD in 2008-2010 was lower than PD.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/amj.v5i1.5778

Anuradhapura Medical Journal Vol.5(1) 2011: 13-18

Keywords: Maternal mortality ratio, retrospective analysis, Human resources, maternal health care