BANKE: Reproductive Health Coordination Committee of the District Public Health Office in Nepalgunj, has stated that the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in Banke has increased. The death of 10 pregnant women within five-and-a-half-month period, as compared to the data of the last year, shows that MMR is increasing in the district, stated Mid-Western Regional Health Director Ria Joshi Bhandari. Inaugurating the Save Mother Campaign on Monday Bhandari said, 'The death rate is increasing as mothers do not take appropriate advice and only arrive at the hospital at critical stages.' The campaign will run awareness programmes targeting women, particularly pregnant women, and also hold health check-ups. Banke's Chief District Officer, Rabilal Pant, said it was a matter of concern that the MMR was increasing despite of Banke being equipped with facilities and adequate number of hospitals and health posts.