Regional Consultation on Maternal Health in Rural India

Hyderabad: The George Institute for Global Health India, in partnership with the University of Oxford, Nimhans, and Unicef, held a regional consultation on maternal mental health in rural Telangana. The event aimed to create a Perinatal Mental Health (PRAMH) intervention focusing on improving social factors affecting health.

Participants pointed out the lack of maternal mental health services, especially in rural areas, where stigma, poverty, and domestic violence worsen mental health issues. Local health workers, such as ASHAs and ANMs, often lack specialised training in this area.

Dr Vinod Bobjy from Siddipet District stressed the importance of early identification and care, saying that prevention is more effective than treatment.

Dr Nicole Votruba of The George Institute highlighted the increased risk of mental health problems for pregnant and postpartum women, calling for family and community support to keep mothers healthy.