Pune, March 2 -- To reduce maternal deaths caused by severe bleeding during pregnancy, the Maharashtra government has introduced the use of balloon tamponade at all government hospitals handling deliveries for the first time, officials said. Uterine balloon tamponade is a medical procedure in which a sterile balloon is inserted into the uterus and inflated to apply pressure on blood vessels and stop severe bleeding. Doctors said the technique can be life-saving, particularly in emergency situations when medicines fail to control hemorrhage, officials said. According to officials, the decision was taken because Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH), severe or excessive bleeding after childbirth, is the leading cause of maternal mortality, contributing to a large number of maternal deaths. PPH can occur after delivery or up to 12 weeks postpartum, they said. The decision was taken in September 2025, procurement was done in January-February 2026, and to date, 5000 devices have been distributed, said officials. Dr Sandeep Sangale, joint director, State Family Welfare Bureau, said the devices have already been distributed to district hospitals, sub-district hospitals and rural hospitals across all 36 districts. "Healthcare staff and doctors have been trained in using uterine balloon tamponade. It is an effective and globally recognised method to control haemorrhage and reduce maternal deaths and complications," he said. As per officials, the uterine balloon tamponade device, designed specifically for managing postpartum haemorrhage, has been introduced as part of the initiative....