Infant Mortality Rate (IMR):
- Overall Decline:
- IMR decreased by 2 points, from 30 per 1000 live births in 2019 to 28 per 1000 live births in 2020, showing an annual decline rate of 6.7%.
- Rural-Urban Difference:
- The gap between rural and urban areas has reduced to 12 points, with urban areas having an IMR of 19 and rural areas having an IMR of 31.
- Gender Parity:
- In 2020, there was no gender difference observed in IMR, with both male and female IMR at 28 per 1000 live births.
Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR):
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Overall Decline:
- NMR dropped by 2 points, from 22 per 1000 live births in 2019 to 20 per 1000 live births in 2020, representing an annual decline rate of 9.1%.
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Rural-Urban Difference:
- NMR varies significantly between urban and rural areas, with urban areas at 12 per 1000 live births and rural areas at 23 per 1000 live births.
Status of SDG Targets:
What is the Sample Registration System (SRS)?
- Demographic Survey: The SRS is designed to provide reliable annual estimates of the infant mortality rate, birth rate, death rate, and other fertility and mortality indicators at national and sub-national levels.
- Initiation and Operation:
- Pilot Basis: Started by the Registrar General of India in a few states in 1964-65.
- Full Operation: Became fully operational during 1969-70.
- Field Investigation:
- Continuous Enumeration: Births and deaths are continuously recorded in selected sample units by resident part-time enumerators, typically Anganwadi workers and teachers.
- Independent Survey: Conducted every six months by SRS supervisors.
- Data Matching: Data from enumerators and supervisors are cross-checked to ensure accuracy.
What is the Registrar General of India?
- Establishment: Founded in 1961 by the Government of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Responsibilities:
- Demographic Surveys: Organizes, conducts, and analyzes the results of demographic surveys in India, including the Census of India and the Linguistic Survey of India.
- Position: The Registrar is usually a civil servant with the rank of Joint Secretary.
What has Been a Game Changer During this Time?
The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Health Mission (NHM) have significantly contributed to the reduction in mortality rates, including U5MR (Under-5 Mortality Rate), infant mortality, neonatal mortality, and maternal mortality.
About NHM:
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Launch:
- National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): Launched in 2005.
- National Health Mission (NHM): Launched in 2013, incorporating both NRHM and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM), which also started in 2013.
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Programmatic Components:
- Health System Strengthening: Focused on both rural and urban areas.
- Reproductive-Maternal-Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A): Aimed at improving health outcomes for mothers and children.
- Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases: Addressing a wide range of health issues.
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Goals:
- Universal Access: Achieving equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare services.
- Accountability and Responsiveness: Ensuring healthcare services meet the needs of the population effectively.
Major Initiatives Supported Under NHM
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Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
- Aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality by providing free maternity services to pregnant women and sick infants.
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Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)
- Focuses on early identification and intervention for children from birth to 18 years to address defects at birth, deficiencies, diseases, and developmental delays.
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Free Drugs and Free Diagnostics Service Initiatives
- Ensures the provision of essential medicines and diagnostic services at no cost to patients in public health facilities.
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PM National Dialysis Programme
- Provides free dialysis services to patients suffering from end-stage renal disease.
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National Quality Assurance Framework
- Implements quality standards in all public health facilities to improve healthcare services and patient satisfaction.
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Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) & Tele-consultation Services
- Enhances access to healthcare, particularly in rural and remote areas, by offering medical consultations and diagnostic services through mobile units and telemedicine.
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Ayushman Bharat
- An umbrella health program that includes two major health initiatives:
- Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs): To provide comprehensive primary healthcare services.
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): Aims to provide health coverage to economically vulnerable families, offering financial protection for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
Conclusion:
In summary, moving forward in the quest to reduce mortality rates, several key strategies need to be implemented. First and foremost, there must be a concerted effort to enhance healthcare infrastructure and improve the quality of services provided. Addressing disparities between urban and rural areas is essential, requiring systemic changes and increased access to healthcare services in underserved regions.
Political will plays a crucial role in allocating and effectively utilizing funds for healthcare initiatives, ensuring that policies are implemented efficiently and health infrastructure is revamped. Collaboration among concerned ministries is imperative to facilitate better coordination and integration of healthcare schemes for comprehensive delivery of services.
Close monitoring of healthcare indicators is necessary to identify and address issues comprehensively, preventing unnecessary maternal and child mortality. Moreover, fostering collaboration with private healthcare providers can complement government efforts and alleviate the burden on public healthcare infrastructure.
Overall, by implementing these strategies and promoting integrated approaches, India can make significant progress in reducing mortality rates and ensuring a healthier future for its population
