Thailand Health Department Addresses Rising Maternal Mortality Rates
The Department of Health is implementing new measures to reduce maternal deaths after data from 2024–2026 showed an upward trend exceeding national targets.
According to a report by Khaosod Online on October 26, 2026, Thailand’s Department of Health has announced an urgent initiative to lower maternal mortality rates. Dr. Nongnuch Phatranantanopp, Deputy Director-General of the Department, stated that surveillance data from the 2024–2026 fiscal years indicates a concerning rise in maternal deaths, currently surpassing the national goal of no more than 15 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Primary causes identified include direct obstetric complications such as postpartum hemorrhage and pregnancy-related hypertension, alongside indirect medical complications. To address this, the department is upgrading maternal care systems, focusing on high-quality prenatal check-ups, personalized risk assessment plans, and improved emergency response protocols, including the 'Refer Before Collapse' system to ensure timely patient transfers.
For residents and long-term visitors, this initiative highlights a focus on strengthening the national healthcare infrastructure. The department is currently reviewing specific case studies—including deaths related to hemorrhage, substance use, and cardiac events—to identify gaps in service delivery for the 2027 fiscal year. While these measures aim to improve safety, the effectiveness of these new protocols in reversing the mortality trend remains to be confirmed through ongoing monitoring and future health data reports.
