MATERNAL MORTALITY FOR 1988 (Particulars)

Mr Chng Hee Kok asked the Acting Minister for Health if he will give the maternal mortality figure for 1988 and what steps he is taking to redress the situation.

The Acting Minister for Health (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong): Mr Speaker, Sir, a maternal death is defined as the death of a woman while pregnant or during delivery or within 42 days of delivery or termination of pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy. The maternal mortality rate refers to the number of such deaths per thousand live and still births.

In 1988, there were 8 maternal deaths, giving an estimated maternal mortality rate of 0.15 per thousand live and still births. In addition, three women died of medical causes within 42 days of delivery, but their deaths were not in any way related to the pregnancy or delivery.

The maternal mortality rate for Singapore has ranged from 0.05 to 0.2 per thousand live and still births since 1976. The 1988 rate of 0.15 compares favourably with an overall rate of 0.3 per thousand births for the developed countries and 4.5 per thousand births for the developing countries.

All maternal deaths are investigated thoroughly at hospital and Ministry levels. Corrective actions where necessary, are taken immediately to ensure that we continue to have a high standard of obstetric practice.

Mr Chng Hee Kok (Tiong Bahru GRC): Sir, will the Minister confirm that he is not alarmed and that medical facilities are adequate now that we are promoting more births in Singapore?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, yes, the Ministry is in fact quite happy with our figure. Because the 1988 figure is only about half the rate of the developed countries. This shows that our facilities are of a high standard.