India, April 17 -- Maternal deaths in Pune have declined steadily over the past three years, but gaps in early diagnosis, referrals and postnatal care continue to raise concern, according to a recent audit by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

Data from the civic body show that maternal deaths fell from 79 in 2023-24 (April-March) to 67 in 2024-25, and further to 45 in 2025-26. The maternal mortality rate also dropped from 122 to 77 over the same period, officials said.

However, the audit flags a worrying trend: a majority of deaths are occurring after childbirth. In 2025-26, 34 of the 45 maternal deaths were reported in the postnatal phase, indicating gaps in monitoring and care after delivery.

Officials said most deaths occurred i...