India’s Progress in Maternal and Child Health
India has made strides in improving maternal and child health from 2014 to 2021. The Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021 report marks a consistent decline in critical health indicators. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) reports that these improvements align with global health targets.
Key Health Indicators Explained
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) measures deaths during or shortly after pregnancy. It is expressed per 100,000 live births.
- Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) counts deaths of infants under one year per 1,000 live births.
- Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) records deaths within the first 28 days of life, also per 1,000 live births.
- Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) indicates the likelihood of a child dying before age five.
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR) reflects the average number of children a woman would have based on current rates.
- The sex ratio at birth measures female births per 1,000 male births, revealing gender bias.
Improvements in Health Metrics
The SRS 2021 report shows notable reductions in maternal and child mortality rates:
- MMR decreased from 130 (2014-16) to 93 (2019-21).
- IMR fell from 39 (2014) to 27 (2021).
- NMR dropped from 26 (2014) to 19 (2021).
- U5MR declined from 45 (2014) to 31 (2021).
- The sex ratio at birth improved from 899 (2014) to 913 (2021).
- TFR stabilised at 2.0 (2021), down from 2.3 (2014).
Global Comparisons
India’s improvements surpass global averages. The UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-agency Group reports an 86% reduction in MMR in India from 1990 to 2023, compared to 48% globally. Similarly, U5MR in India fell by 78%, while the global decline was 61%. NMR and IMR reductions in India also outpace global figures.
Factors Contributing to Improvements
The MoHFW attributes these positive outcomes to several targeted initiatives:
- The Ayushman Bharat health assurance scheme enhances access to healthcare.
- Strengthening of public health infrastructure includes maternity waiting homes and sick newborn care units.
- Deployment of skilled birth attendants and midwives ensures quality care.
- Implementation of evidence-based practices like antenatal corticosteroids improves outcomes.
- Digital surveillance systems monitor maternal and child health effectively.
These programs focus on delivering free, quality care to vulnerable populations, ensuring no denial of care.
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