The maternal mortality rate (MMR) in India declined by 79.6 percent from 1990 to 2018, from 556 per 100,000 live births to 113. The country is now focused on strengthening the quality of care, and working towards reducing the number of maternal deaths to continue on the path towards achieving the MMR goal of 70, under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Two thirds of maternal deaths result from complications requiring facility care and both private and public health facilities must prioritize high quality care at birth. The private sector in India accounts for close to 30% of institutional deliveries taking place in India as per NFHS-5, and hence is an important site for intervention, with an opportunity to regulate clinical care processes and standardize the quality of care. Professional associations such as the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), have immense potential to advocate quality of care for mothers and children and provide a pathway to enlist a broader group of champions and technical experts from its network.
FOGSI is one of India’s largest professional associations representing specialists in women’s health. With 286 member societies and a network of 46,000+ obstetricians and gynecologists across the country, FOGSI plays a pivotal role in advancing maternal and reproductive health through scientific leadership, training, and policy engagement.
In partnership with the Gates Foundation, FOGSI is leading Project ADHUNA—a flagship initiative to improve the quality of intrapartum and newborn care in the private healthcare sector.
Advancing Delivery of (Quality) Healthcare through Upgraded Newborn (and Intrapartum Care) Approaches.
ADHUNA/अधुना—meaning The Now or The Present in Sanskrit—symbolizes the urgency and immediacy of the healthcare reforms we are about to introduce.
ADHUNA works to catalyze improvements in intrapartum quality of care in the private sector and embed innovations in care packages across the maternal, newborn (MNH) and women’s health (WH) spectrum in 29 districts across four states of India.
Strengthened clinical practices adopted by facilities for provision of improved intrapartum care and essential newborn care
Introduction and scaling up of innovations as well as adoption of newer evidence-based practices in maternal and newborn health at facilities across selected districts
Strengthened capacity and role of FOGSI and its members at the national, state and city level to advance women's health facilities.
“The CPD is a commendable initiative, greatly helping obstetricians and paramedical staff enhance skills to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality in our country. Future sessions can be even more effective by organizing smaller training groups for better interaction and hands-on learning.” – Aligarh Obst. & Gyn. Society
“The CPD program is an interesting and effective way of delivering sessions. The interactive approach, especially on PPH management and the use of drapes, was very insightful—something many of us were not aware of before. We now look forward to the upcoming CPDs and the recent advances or innovations that ADHUNA will highlight.” – Mathura Obst. & Gyn. Society
“The overall CPD experience was excellent, well-executed and clearly explained. It was highly beneficial for both doctors and paramedical staff. For future sessions, more practical, hands-on training would make it even more impactful.” – Allahabad Obst. & Gyn. Society
“Well arranged and planned, the CPD exercise was crucial and helpful, this was a good experience and a refresher would be good, the society will continue the efforts too“ – Meerut Obst. & Gyn. Society
“The launch of Project ADHUNA at State and district level is an important step in empowering FOGSI members to ensure availability of evidence-based modern and equitable health care for women and newborn“ – Muzaffarnagar Obst. & Gyn. Society
“The CPD is much appreciated should also address the Health Care Professionals in the periphery as well.” – Bijnor Obst. & Gyn. Society
“Important exercise, sessions were well curated and disseminated” – Moradabad Obst. & Gyn. Society
“Regional language EMOTIVE and anemia management sessions were well-received by health staff, with clear, individual explanations of the EMOTIVE bundle and emphasis on respectful maternity care through the Partograph and patient communication. This crucial learning addresses a common lack of exposure for these staff“ – Mau Obst. & Gyn. Society
“The sessions were interactive and engaging. Liked and appreciated by the facility staff as well” – Ghaziabad Obst. & Gyn. Society
“The topics were meticulously selected and discussed. The discussion was very concise and points important for day today working of doctors and paramedics were emphasized. PPH drill was very beneficial especially for our paramedics. Society members appreciated the initiative and suggested to take this initiative to peripheral doctors of Jaunpur who are catering a lot of population and conducting lot of deliveries. They are ready to do the needful“ – Jaunpur Obst. & Gyn. Society
“The CPD at Jabalpur was a good start. It was an excellent way to spread awareness and educate on key topics. A few suggestions include adding quiz formats to make sessions more interactive, focusing more on demos and Q&A, keeping sessions shorter, and incorporating more team-building exercises to enhance engagement.” – Jabalpur Obst. & Gyn. Society
“The CPD in Ujjain was very well-organized and informative. Including more case-based discussions, and interactive Q&A sessions in future programs could make them even more enriching and engaging for participants.” – Ujjain Obst. & Gyn. Society
“The Indore CPD session effectively covered key topics on anaemia management, including timely insights on IV iron therapy and comprehensive strategies for PPH management. The presenters were knowledgeable, used clear visuals, and encouraged interactive discussions. Future sessions could be enhanced by adding real-life case studies, a deeper dive into the latest PPH guidelines, and collaborative inputs from haematology experts.”- Indore Obst. & Gyn. Society
“The Bhopal CPD was highly impactful, covering crucial topics like modern PPH management through EMOTIVE drills, quality care, respectful maternity, family planning, and neonatal care. Such sessions are vital for upgrading practitioner knowledge, and we look forward to more insightful, practice-oriented programs under ADHUNA.” – Bhopal Obst. & Gyn. Society
“The CPD was good and useful and helped to freshen up the subjects for doctors and staff“ – Muzaffarpur Obst. & Gyn. Society
“ADHUNA is a beneficial program initiated by FOGSI, aimed at improving healthcare awareness and services. If it continues to be implemented among our society members, it will create a lasting impact. Additionally, its benefits will be significantly enhanced if training sessions are conducted for PHC and Anganwadi staff, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to support community health initiatives effectively“ –Sitamarhi Obst. & Gyn. Society
“Excellent way to update and spread awareness. Especially for the health facility staff who play an important role. This should be continued. “ – Darbhanga Obst. & Gyn. Society
“ADHUNA is a beneficial program initiated by FOGSI, aimed at improving healthcare awareness and services. If it continues to be implemented among our society members, it will create a lasting impact. Additionally, its benefits will be significantly enhanced if training sessions are conducted for PHC and Anganwadi staff, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to support community health initiatives effectively. “ – Gaya Obst. & Gyn. Society
“The CPD done at Patna was a grand success where the senior members and Juniors of Patna Obstetric and Gynaecological Society participated enthusiastically. The Paramedics were in large numbers and they actively participated, learnt and happily received ADHUNA Certificates”. – Patna Obst. & Gyn. Society
“Very nice & informative talk on IV FCM. QOC & LCG discussed in great detail. Impactful use of social media for awareness & social cause discussed. PPH management was very helpful for the nursing staff especially the active management of third stage of labour. ” – Nawada District, Bihar
“Well-attended and well appreciated programme. Very beneficial to the practicing obstetricians and paramedics. Would like to request you to continue further sessions for hand holding & assessment of quality improvement in obstetric care in the three districts“ – Berhampur Obst. & Gyn. Society
“Well-attended and well appreciated programme. Very beneficial to the practicing obstetricians and paramedics. Would like to request you to continue further sessions for hand holding & assessment of quality improvement in obstetric care in the three districts“ – Association of Obst. & Gyn. of Orissa
