Chandigarh: Haryana's infant mortality rate (IMR) has declined from 28 to 24 deaths per 1,000 live births over five years, now matching the national average, according to the Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2024. Additional chief secretary of the health and family welfare department, Sumita Misra, attributed this nearly 14 percent reduction to sustained improvements in maternal and newborn healthcare services.
Key Achievements and Comparisons
Misra highlighted that Haryana's pace of improvement has outstripped several neighboring states despite the challenges of serving a larger and more densely populated population. Over the last decade, the state has reduced its IMR from 41 to 24, marking substantial gains in public health outcomes. The state's performance compares favorably with several large states where infant mortality remains significantly higher. Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh continue to report IMRs of around 35, while Chhattisgarh records approximately 36 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Government Initiatives Driving Improvement
Health officials attributed the improvement to a series of government initiatives aimed at strengthening neonatal and child healthcare. These include the expansion of Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs), Newborn Stabilisation Units (NBSUs), Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres, Kangaroo Mother Care facilities, Lactation Management Units, Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, and Home-Based Newborn Care services.
Future Plans
To further accelerate progress, the Haryana government plans to establish additional newborn care facilities and upgrade existing SNCUs into Maternal and Newborn Care Units (MNCUs). While challenges persist in some rural and eastern regions, officials remain optimistic that strengthened healthcare services and focused grassroots implementation will help further reduce infant mortality and improve child survival rates across the state.
