Maharashtra Achieves Major Reduction in Infant Mortality Rate
Nagpur: The state of Maharashtra has recorded a substantial decline in infant mortality over the past five decades, with the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) dropping to just 14 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023. This significant achievement was highlighted in the Economic Survey of Maharashtra 2025-26, which was officially released on Thursday. The latest figures demonstrate remarkable progress in maternal and child healthcare across the state.
Comparative Analysis with National Figures
The All-India average Infant Mortality Rate stands at 25 for the same period, making Maharashtra's achievement particularly noteworthy. The data, compiled from the Sample Registration System (SRS), reveals consistent improvements in key health indicators over recent years. The report defines IMR as the number of deaths of infants aged one year or younger per 1,000 live births within a specific population and time frame.
Detailed Breakdown of Child Health Indicators
Alongside the overall IMR reduction, other crucial child health metrics have shown positive trends. The neonatal mortality rate, which tracks deaths of infants within the first 28 days of life, was recorded at 11 per 1,000 live births. Furthermore, the under-5 mortality rate stood at 16 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023, indicating comprehensive improvements across different age groups.
Persistent Urban-Rural Disparities
Despite these overall gains, significant disparities continue between rural and urban areas. The IMR in rural Maharashtra was measured at 17, which remains considerably higher than the urban rate of 10. This gap underscores ongoing challenges in healthcare access and maternal services in remote and underserved regions of the state.
Government Initiatives Driving Improvement
Several targeted government programs have contributed substantially to this positive trend. The Janani Suraksha Yojana has been instrumental in promoting institutional deliveries among economically weaker sections, including Below Poverty Line families, Scheduled Caste communities, and Scheduled Tribe populations, thereby helping reduce both maternal and infant deaths.
Similarly, the Navsanjivani Yojana focuses specifically on enhancing healthcare services in tribal areas through preventive interventions designed to lower infant mortality rates. Under the Baby Care Kit initiative, mothers delivering in government hospitals receive essential kits valued at up to Rs 2,000, aimed at ensuring proper newborn care during critical early stages.
Addressing Malnutrition and Health Deficiencies
Malnutrition remains a primary factor contributing to infant mortality, prompting the government to implement nutrition-focused interventions. Programs such as the Poshan Abhiyan and other targeted nutrition initiatives address severe malnutrition and anaemia in vulnerable regions. Another major scheme, the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), concentrates on early detection and treatment of birth defects, diseases, deficiencies, and developmental delays among children from birth to 18 years.
Additionally, the Lek Ladki Yojana provides financial support specifically aimed at improving the survival, health, and overall well-being of girl children throughout the state.
Expert Analysis and Future Projections
Dr. Vasant Khalatkar, President of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, commented on the achievement, stating, "Maharashtra has made remarkable progress in reducing neonatal mortality from earlier figures of 35. I congratulate the state government, public health system, and frontline healthcare workers for this significant achievement. The next goal should be to bring the rate to single digits by 2030, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals."
Dr. Khalatkar emphasized that strengthening primary healthcare through systematic training of doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, and Anganwadi workers, along with increased investment in child health infrastructure and services, will be crucial to sustaining and accelerating Maharashtra's progress.
The Economic Survey also outlines optimistic future projections, suggesting that the Infant Mortality Rate is expected to decline further during both the 2026–2030 and 2031–2035 periods, indicating continued commitment to improving child health outcomes across Maharashtra.
