Abhishek Singh
INDIA has made significant progress in improving maternal and child health in recent years. The fertility rate has declined, institutional births have increased, and skilled birth attendance is now available to the majority of women. However, challenges remain, particularly in rural areas and among marginalised communities.
The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in India has declined from 174 per 1,00,000 live births in 2010 to 97 per 1,00,000 live births in 2018. This is a significant improvement, but it is still higher than the global average. The infant mortality rate (IMR) has also declined in recent years, from 43 per 1,000 live births in 2016 to 29 per 1,000 live births in 2021. This is a positive trend, but it is still higher than the global average of 18 per 1,000 live births.
Antenatal care
Institutional births have increased significantly in India, from 72 per cent in 2015-16 to 89 pc in 2020. This is a major factor in reducing maternal and infant mortality, as institutional births provide access to skilled birth attendants and emergency care. Antenatal care is essential for ensuring a healthy pregnancy and birth. In India, 76 per cent of pregnant women receive at least four antenatal care checkups. This percentage has been increasing steadily, but there is still room for improvement.
Postnatal care is just as important as antenatal care, but it is often neglected. In India, only 6 per cent of women receive postnatal care within two days of delivery. This is a major concern, as postnatal complications can be life-threatening for both mothers and newborns. Childbirth outcomes in India vary significantly based on socioeconomic status. Women from marginalised communities tend to have higher rates of maternal and infant mortality. This is due to a number of factors, including lack of access to healthcare, poverty, and gender discrimination.
Govt programmes
The Government of India has launched several programmes to improve maternal and child health, including the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), and the Comprehensive Abortion Care programme. These programmes have helped to increase institutional births, improve access to antenatal care, and reduce maternal and infant mortality.
Despite the progress that has been made, challenges remain in improving maternal and child health in India. These include high MMR and IMR, unequal access to healthcare, lack of postnatal care, socioeconomic disparities, and gender discrimination and violence against women. By addressing these challenges, India can further reduce maternal and infant mortality and ensure a healthy future for its children.
