The Maharashtra public health department has issued a government resolution (GR) making it compulsory for all private healthcare facilities in the state, including trust hospitals and nursing homes, to report deaths in the 0-5 age group within 24 hours to local health authorities. Additionally, these facilities must log the data monthly on central tracking portals such as the Health Management Information System (HMIS).
Background of the Resolution
The resolution noted that while data from public health institutions is accurately recorded on the Civil Registration System (CRS) and HMIS, records from private healthcare institutions are not being captured accurately. It observed that fewer child deaths are being registered in private facilities compared to public ones, indicating potential under-reporting.
Current Mortality Rates
Maharashtra currently has a neonatal mortality rate of 11 per 1,000 live births and an under-5 child mortality rate of 16 per 1,000 live births. However, public health department officials stated that this is still not an accurate picture due to under-reporting from private institutions.
Reactions from Private Practitioners
Private practitioners have denied any under-reporting. A city-based pediatrician argued that any patient who passes away is taken to the cemetery only after a death certificate is issued by the treating doctor, which itself makes it notifiable. A medical administrator at a top trust-run hospital in Bandra added that they enter the required data on the system every month, suggesting that if there is an issue, it is not because of the hospital.
