Panaji: At seven infant deaths per thousand live births, Goa, along with Sikkim, has the lowest infant mortality rate (IMR) among all states in India, according to the sample registration system (SRS) data released by the office of the Registrar General of India. The rate is more than three times lower than the national average of 24 infant deaths per thousand live births.
IMR as a Health Indicator
The IMR is widely accepted as a crude indicator of the overall health scenario of a region, and Goa's rate indicates a highly improved health care in the state. While Goa's IMR is seven infant deaths per thousand live births, Assam (36) and Madhya Pradesh (35) had the worst figures. Even among smaller states, Meghalaya had an IMR of 31.
Rural vs Urban Divide
In Goa, the rate was even better, at five infant deaths per thousand live births in rural areas, as compared to eight infant deaths per thousand live births in urban areas. This showed a progressive health delivery system in villages as well. The data for Goa is unlike the national figures, where the IMR at 27 for rural areas is much higher than the rate of 17 infant deaths per thousand live births for urban areas.
Improvement Over Previous Year
Goa has also improved its IMR against its own previously recorded figure as well. In the year 2023, the state had recorded 10.7 infant deaths per thousand live births. Improved IMR reflects steady, ongoing improvements in maternal and child healthcare. The SRS provides reliable annual estimates of IMR and other indicators at the national and sub-national levels. The latest data is based on survey carried out in 2024.
