Question : Medical Assistance to Pregnant Women Tested COVID-19 Positive

a) the number of pregnant women provided medical assistance when tested COVID positive in rural areas across various states/uts;
b) whether primary health centres were involved in providing assistance to COVID positive pregnant women and, if so, the details thereof;
c) whether the government has noted any death among pregnant women during 2019 to 2022 for lack of treatment due to COVID pandemic;
d) if so, the details thereof, year-wise and the corrective action taken in this regard; and
e) whether the Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANMs) were involved in providing medical and nutritional support during their pregnancy while also being tested COVID positive and if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
(DR BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

(a) to (e): As on 22nd March 2022, a cumulative total of 4,30,10,971 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported by States/UTs in the country, however, the disaggregated data based on pregnancy status of the individual is not maintained centrally.
Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in its various guidelines/SOPs/advisories etc. has identified pregnant women and children as priority groups requiring special precautions.
Union Ministry of Health also issued a guidance note on enabling Delivery of Essential Health Services during the COVID 19 Outbreak on 14th April, 2020 (available at: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/EssentialservicesduringCOVID19updated0411201.pdf) that called for alternate models for outreach services like outreach activities for immunization, antenatal care, screening for common NCDs/ communicable diseases etc.
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on 27th May, 2020 (available at: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidanceNoteonProvisionofessentialRMNCAHNServices24052020.pdf) issued a guidance note on Essential Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) Services during and post COVID
In an advisory dated 16th June 2020, issued by Union Ministry of Health to all States/UTs stating that ensuring access to safe delivery and antenatal and postnatal care is a non-negotiable agenda and emphasized the directives at all levels in the states to prevent and pre-empt unfortunate adverse incidents.
Union Ministry of Health & FW in its ‘SOP on COVID-19 Containment and Management in Peri-urban, Rural and Tribal areas’ issued on 16th May 2021 (available at: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/SOPonCOVID19Containment&ManagementinPeriurbanRural&tribalareas.pdf) outlines role of primary health facilities in COVID-19 management including need for regular contact with pregnant and lactating mothers by ASHA/Anganwadi Workers to ensure continuity of care.
Besides these, the need for availability of non-COVID essential health services including maternal health, infant and child health issues has also been taken up with States through formal communications as well as during video conferencing with States/UTs.