Trichy district has achieved its lowest infant mortality rate in four years, with the infant mortality rate (IMR) falling to 9.5 per 1,000 live births in 2025–26 (up to March 2026). According to district health department data, 293 infant deaths were recorded out of 30,930 live births during this period. District health officer T Manivanan attributed this decline to enhanced monitoring and follow-up systems.
Factors Behind the Decline
Manivanan stated that multiple factors contributed to the improvement, including proper follow-up, monitoring, a focus on maternal health, and initiatives such as home-based newborn care and home-based care for young children. These programs have played a significant role in reducing infant deaths.
Maternal Mortality Remains Stagnant
Despite the progress in infant mortality, maternal mortality has shown no improvement. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) remained at 45.3 per one lakh live births in 2025–26, with 14 maternal deaths reported—the same as in 2024–25. A district health official noted that no maternal deaths have occurred in the past three months, and all facilities have been sensitized. However, more deaths were reported in private hospitals than in government facilities. Earlier this year, a private hospital faced scrutiny for alleged medical negligence after reporting two maternal deaths in 2025, along with several in previous years. Following an inquiry, the district administration barred the hospital from conducting inpatient admissions for one month.
Maternal deaths peaked at 22 in 2023–24. In response, the district administration established a dedicated war room at the collectorate to monitor high-risk pregnancies. Officials reported that the war room makes nearly 300 calls daily to track high-risk pregnant women. From the 35th week of pregnancy, regular follow-ups ensure women continue consultations with healthcare providers. Weekly monitoring continues until about 10 days before the expected delivery date, after which women are advised to get admitted to nearby healthcare facilities. High-risk pregnancies are categorized under orange or red alerts and are closely monitored for anemia, nutrition, and other complications.
Teenage Pregnancy a Persistent Concern
Teenage pregnancy remains a significant issue in Trichy, with cases among the highest in the state. The district recorded 1,071 teenage pregnancies up to March this year, compared to 1,234 cases in 2024–25. Manivanan explained that this is largely a social issue involving child marriage. Approximately 35% of teenage pregnancies are illegal, occurring below the age of 18. Health data does not segregate by age because pregnancy at 19 is also considered medically risky, though legal.
Risks Associated with Adolescent Pregnancy
Various studies have highlighted that adolescent mothers aged 10–19 face significantly higher risks of pregnancy-related complications such as eclampsia, infections, and post-delivery complications. Their babies are also more vulnerable to low birth weight, preterm births, and severe neonatal conditions.
Data Highlights
- Infant deaths (lowest in four years): 2025-26: 293 deaths; 2024-25: 321 deaths; 2023-24: 351 deaths; 2022-23: 383 deaths.
- Maternal mortality (no improvement): 2025-26: 14 deaths; 2024-25: 14 deaths; 2023-24: 22 deaths; 2022-23: 17 deaths.
- Teenage pregnancies: 2025-26: 1,071; 2024-25: 1,234; 2023-24: 654; 2022-23: 628.
