India Reports Decline in Maternal and Infant Mortality Rates: Centre

New Delhi: India has made significant strides in improving maternal and child health outcomes over the past decade, according to Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel. Presenting data in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Patel highlighted the country’s notable decline in maternal and infant mortality rates, crediting government initiatives and technological interventions for the progress.

As per the Sample Registration System (SRS) data released by the Registrar General of India (RGI), India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has seen a sharp reduction. The MMR dropped by 33 points, from 130 per one lakh live births in the period 2014-16 to 97 in 2018-20. Similarly, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) fell from 39 per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 28 per 1,000 live births in 2020.

Patel emphasized that the improvements witnessed in India’s maternal and child health metrics have outpaced global averages over the last three decades. Citing the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (UN-MMIEG) report (1990-2020), she noted that India’s MMR declined by 83 per cent, compared to a 42 per cent reduction globally. Likewise, India’s IMR declined by 69 per cent, surpassing the global decline of 55 per cent.

In addition to MMR and IMR, India has also recorded a significant fall in the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) and the Under-5 Mortality Rate. According to Patel, the NMR reduced from 26 per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 20 per 1,000 live births in 2020. The Under-5 Mortality Rate dropped from 45 per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 32 per 1,000 live births in 2020. The UN-MMIEG data further indicates that India’s NMR fell by 65 per cent, outperforming the global reduction of 51 per cent, while the Under-5 Mortality Rate declined by 75 per cent compared to a global reduction of 58 per cent.

The Minister also shed light on various technological advancements and healthcare initiatives implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM) to enhance patient care. Key initiatives include the U-WIN digital vaccination platform, Tele-MANAS mental health helpline, and a monitoring portal for Mobile Medical Units.

Furthermore, Patel highlighted the government’s efforts to reduce the financial burden on patients, particularly marginalized communities. Through the Free Drugs Service Initiative and Free Diagnostic Service Initiative under NHM, essential medicines and diagnostic services are being provided free of cost across states and union territories.

As a result of these measures, India’s Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) as a percentage of Total Health Expenditure (THE) has significantly dropped from 64.2 per cent in 2013-14 to 39.4 per cent in 2021-22, as per the National Health Accounts Estimates.