In a groundbreaking move to combat high maternal and infant mortality rates, the Odisha government has launched an Artificial Intelligence driven maternal and child health monitoring initiative in Rayagada district – one of the state’s most vulnerable tribal regions.
Why Rayagada?
Rayagada has long struggled with:
- Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): ~170 per 100,000 live births (above Odisha’s average of 119).
- Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): ~33 per 1,000 live births.
These alarming figures, especially in a tribal and geographically remote area, have prompted the need for innovative, scalable solutions.
What’s New?
This initiative uses AI based diagnostic kits to:
- Track pregnancy stages, fetal health, and possible complications.
- Record vital signs like blood pressure, fetal heart rate, and more.
- Automatically flag high risk pregnancies for further medical attention.
Who Will Use It?
- ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) and frontline healthcare workers.
- They will carry portable kits and smartphones.
- Data is collected even in low connectivity areas and uploaded when networks are available.
How AI Helps:
- Machine learning algorithms analyze the data in real time.
- Doctors and healthcare supervisors receive alerts if abnormalities are detected.
- This ensures timely referral to hospitals or emergency services.
Training and Empowerment:
- ASHAs are being trained on the use of these kits and digital platforms.
- The project also enhances digital literacy and local healthcare ownership.
Impact & Vision:
- Early results suggest improved pregnancy tracking and faster responses to emergencies.
- The long term goal is to scale this model across other backward districts of Odisha and possibly pan India.
