MATERNAL WELFARE

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 134, 3 December 1926, Page 7

MATERNAL WELFARE

IMPROVED POSITION

STATEMENT BY MINISTER OF

HEALTH.

Speaking at tho laying of the foundation stone of the important additions to the Wellington Hospital yesterday, the Hon. J. A. Young, Minister of Health, made an interesting statement in regard to maternal welfare and the success of the ante-natal clinics.

The Minister pointed out that Denmark held the best position in the world^in respect to low maternal mortality rate. In the year 1924 the number of deaths per thousand births was only 2.06. The Netherlands came next with 2.55; then followed Italy, 2.75; Uruguay, 2.88; Japan, 3.44; England and Wales, 3.95; Australia, 4.96;. New Zealand, s'; Canada, 5.53; Belgium, 5.68; Scotland, 6.27; United States, 7.58.

Since 1924, continued the Minister, New Zealand had improved its. position; and for 1925 tho proportion was 4.65 per thousand births. An analysis of the New Zealand statistical records revealed the remarkable fact that ma- ! ternal deaths from puerperal causes were more numerous in rural districts than in urban areas. While the total number of deaths for tho whole Dominion had been steadily decreasing since 1922—in which year the total was 149—last year, notwithstanding the increase in population, the total number of deaths had come down to 131. The following table showed the position in each year for the past four years:— Maternal Deaths From Puerperal Causes. Urban Rural ■ areas, areas. Total. 1922 -64 85 149 1923 55 8S 143 1924 49 91 140 1925 51 80 131 Totals ... 219 344 563 The increase in population in those years must also be borne in mind, and made the figures even better. Mr. Young said it was gratifying to know, notwithstanding that increase, that the total maternal deaths was showing a gradual decline; but in his work as Minister of Health he would not be satisfied until the maternal death-rate was something under 3 per thousand, births. The Minister remarked that in country districts more difficulty was met with in instituting reforms in the matter of improved maternity service than in the towns.

The Health Department, said Mr. Young, was doing valuable work with its ante-natal clinics and other measures, and the gradual decrease was due to that work, and also in paTt to the assistance being given by outside organisations such as the Plunket Society, Red Cross, and other bodies. It was the policy of the! Government to encourage hospital boards to establish in suitable back-country centres, maternal wards for the benefit of mothers in the rural districts.