India’s Maternal and Child Health Rates Show Significant Improvement
Recent data from the Registrar General of India reveals a notable decline in maternal and child mortality rates across the country. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has dropped from 130 to 97 per lakh live births between 2014-2016 and 2018-2020. Additionally, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) have also seen substantial reductions, highlighting the effectiveness of health initiatives in India.
Declining Mortality Rates: A Positive Trend
According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) data, the MMR in India has decreased significantly, reflecting a 33-point drop from 130 in 2014-2016 to 97 in 2018-2020. This improvement is part of a broader trend, as the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) fell from 39 to 28 per 1,000 live births during the same period. The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) also saw a decline, dropping from 26 to 20 per 1,000 live births. Furthermore, the Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) decreased from 45 to 32 per 1,000 live births, showcasing a comprehensive improvement in child health metrics.
Over the past three decades, India has made remarkable strides in reducing maternal and child mortality. The United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (UN-MMIEG) reports an 83% decline in MMR in India, significantly outpacing the global reduction of 42%. Similarly, India’s NMR has decreased by 65%, compared to the global average of 51%. The IMR and U5MR reductions of 69% and 75%, respectively, further illustrate India’s commitment to improving maternal and child health.
Technological Advancements in Healthcare
The Indian government has introduced several technological advancements under the National Health Mission (NHM) to enhance patient care. One notable initiative is the U-WIN digital vaccination platform, launched in October 2024. This platform aims to digitize vaccination services and maintain comprehensive vaccination records for pregnant women and children up to 17 years old under the Universal Immunization Programme.
Additionally, the National Tele Mental Health Programme, initiated on October 10, 2022, aims to improve access to mental health counseling and care services across the country. The introduction of the Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) Monitoring Portal, which tracks MMUs via GPS, further enhances healthcare delivery in remote areas. These initiatives reflect a commitment to leveraging technology for better health outcomes.
Financial Support and Reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenditure
To ensure access to essential drugs and diagnostics, the Indian government has implemented the Free Drugs Service Initiative (FDSI) and Free Diagnostic Service Initiatives (FDSI) under the NHM. These initiatives aim to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) for patients, particularly those from marginalized communities, visiting public healthcare facilities.
Recent estimates from the National Health Accounts indicate a significant decline in OOPE as a percentage of Total Health Expenditure (THE), dropping from 64.2% in 2013-14 to 39.4% in 2021-22. This reduction underscores the government’s efforts to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all citizens.
Government’s Commitment to Health Improvement
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel, highlighted these improvements in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. The government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing maternal and child health indicators is evident through various initiatives and technological advancements aimed at improving healthcare access and quality across the nation. As India continues to make progress in these critical areas, the focus remains on sustaining and furthering these positive trends in public health.
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