Evaluate the progress made in reducing the Infant Mortality Rate in India. How does achieving the National Health Policy targets reflect on the overall healthcare infrastructure?

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Evaluate the progress made in reducing the Infant Mortality Rate in India. How does achieving the National Health Policy targets reflect on the overall healthcare infrastructure?

Evaluate

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The Hindu

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Introduction

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), defined as the number of deaths of infants below one year per 1,000 live births, is an important indicator of a country’s healthcare and socio-economic development. India has made significant progress in reducing IMR through improvements in maternal healthcare, immunization, nutrition, and institutional delivery systems.

Progress in Reducing Infant Mortality Rate in India

  • According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) 2020, India’s IMR declined to 28 per 1,000 live births, compared to:

    • 129 in 1971
    • 57 in 2005

  • The decline reflects improvements in:

    • Institutional deliveries
    • Vaccination coverage
    • Neonatal and maternal healthcare
    • Awareness regarding child nutrition and hygiene

Major Government Initiatives

  • National Health Mission (NHM)
  • Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
  • POSHAN Abhiyaan
  • Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
  • Mission Indradhanush
  • Expansion of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres

These initiatives improved healthcare accessibility, especially in rural and vulnerable regions.

National Health Policy (NHP) Targets and Their Significance

  • The National Health Policy, 2017 targeted reducing IMR to 28 by 2019.

  • Achieving this target demonstrates progress in strengthening:

    • Primary healthcare systems
    • Maternal and child health services
    • Public health outreach mechanisms

Reflection on Overall Healthcare Infrastructure

Positive Indicators

  • Increased institutional deliveries and skilled birth attendance.
  • Better immunization coverage and neonatal care facilities.
  • Expansion of healthcare infrastructure in rural areas.
  • Improved coordination between central and state health programmes.

Persistent Challenges

  • Significant interstate disparities persist:

    • States like Kerala perform much better than states such as Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

  • Malnutrition, anaemia, and poor sanitation continue to affect child survival.

  • Shortage of healthcare personnel and infrastructure in remote areas remains a concern.

  • High out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure affects accessibility.

Broader Implications

  • Lower IMR contributes to:

    • Higher life expectancy
    • Human capital development
    • Demographic dividend

  • It reflects progress toward:

    • Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being)
    • Inclusive socio-economic development

Conclusion

India’s success in reducing Infant Mortality Rate highlights significant improvements in public healthcare delivery and maternal-child health services. However, sustaining progress requires addressing regional disparities, strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare across the country.