Is India Making Progress in Maternal and Child Health Indicators?
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Synopsis
India has made remarkable strides in reducing maternal and child mortality rates, as highlighted in the latest report by the Ministry of Health. With significant improvements exceeding global averages, the country is on track to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. This progress is attributed to strategic government initiatives and robust health programs.
Key Takeaways
- India's MMR has significantly decreased.
- Infant and under-five mortality rates are on the decline.
- Strategic government interventions are yielding results.
- Eight states have achieved the SDG target for MMR.
- Robust health data systems are being reinforced.
New Delhi, May 10 (NationPress) India is experiencing a consistent decline in both maternal and child mortality rates, moving closer to fulfilling the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 targets, as reported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday.
Referencing the recently published Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021 by the Registrar General of India (RGI), the Ministry highlighted a notable decrease in the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR), and Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR).
According to the Ministry, India's advancement in lowering maternal and child mortality rates surpasses global averages.
This ongoing progress is attributed to strategic initiatives and the government's steadfast dedication, the Ministry added.
The MMR saw a reduction of 37 points, falling from 130 per lakh live births in 2014-16 to 93 in 2019-21. The IMR decreased from 39 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 27 per 1000 live births in 2021.
The NMR dropped from 26 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 19 per 1000 live births in 2021, while the U5MR fell from 45 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 31 per 1000 live births in 2021.
Moreover, the sex ratio at birth improved from 899 in 2014 to 913 in 2021. The Total Fertility Rate remained stable at 2.0 in 2021, showing a significant enhancement from 2.3 in 2014, according to the SRS report.
Furthermore, eight states have achieved the SDG target for MMR: Kerala (20), Maharashtra (38), Telangana (45), Andhra Pradesh (46), Tamil Nadu (49), Jharkhand (51), Gujarat (53), and Karnataka (63).
Twelve states/UT have reached the SDG target for U5MR: Kerala (8), Delhi (14), Tamil Nadu (14), Jammu and Kashmir (16), Maharashtra (16), West Bengal (20), Karnataka (21), Punjab (22), Telangana (22), Himachal Pradesh (23), Andhra Pradesh (24), and Gujarat (24).
Six states/UT have met the SDG target for NMR: Kerala (4), Delhi (8), Tamil Nadu (9), Maharashtra (11), Jammu and Kashmir (12), and Himachal Pradesh (12).
The Ministry credits these improvements to flagship health programs designed to provide dignified, respectful, and high-quality healthcare services, completely free of charge, with zero tolerance for denial of care.
Additionally, the Ministry is strengthening health data systems and real-time monitoring for maternal, newborn, and child health through digital platforms, facilitating data-driven, evidence-based policy decisions.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the ongoing improvements in India’s maternal and child health indicators. These advancements reflect the government's commitment to health care and the effectiveness of its strategies. The focus on data-driven policymaking and the integration of health programs are commendable efforts that deserve attention and support.
NationPress
20/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of maternal mortality in India?
India's Maternal Mortality Ratio has decreased from 130 per lakh live births in 2014-16 to 93 in 2019-21, showing significant progress.
How does India compare to global averages in child health?
India's reductions in maternal and child mortality rates are surpassing global averages, highlighting effective health interventions.
What initiatives are contributing to these improvements?
The improvements are attributed to government flagship health schemes that provide high-quality, free healthcare services.
Which states have reached the SDG targets?
Eight states have achieved the SDG target for Maternal Mortality Ratio, while twelve states have met the target for Under-Five Mortality Rate.
How is health data being utilized?
The Ministry is enhancing health data systems and real-time monitoring to support evidence-based policy decisions.
