QURGHON TEPPA, October 21, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- A certain decrease in the maternity death rate has been reported in the southern Khatlon province.

Speaking to reporters in Qurghon Teppa, the Khatlon health directorate head Sherali Buzmakov noted on October 20 that nine local women have died during and after delivery since the beginning of the year, which is 4 cases fewer than in the same period of last year.

According to him, one of the main reasons for a high maternity death rate in the province is late visit to a doctor.  “A special commission has been set up at the health directorate for studying all cases of death of women during and after delivery in the area,” Buzmakov said.

The health directorate head also noted that the number of cases of home delivery has decreased in the province that has also resulted in the number of deaths during delivery decreasing.