The Office of the Registrar General India, functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs, reports that the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in Madhya Pradesh has risen by a single point from the previous year. It now stands at 48 in 2018. This statistic measures the number of deaths of children under one year of age per 1000 live births. Information about IMR is derived from the Sample Registration System bulletin which provides data about birth rate, death rate, and infant mortality rate for all states.
Data Analysis of IMR across India
In contrast to Madhya Pradesh, the country’s average IMR sits at 32 per 1,000 live births. This includes an average of 36 deaths in rural areas and 23 in urban areas. A closer look at Madhya Pradesh reveals 52 deaths in rural areas and 36 in urban areas. As such, Madhya Pradesh has the highest IMR (48) in the country. The IMR for boys in the state was 51, whereas for girls it was 46 in 2018. Significantly, 26 infants out of 1,000 live births in Madhya Pradesh died within their first seven days, constituting more than half the infant deaths in the state.
Causes of High IMR
The major causes for this surge in IMR are premature deliveries, infections, birth asphyxiation (lack of oxygen in blood), and delayed treatments leading to complicated deliveries. Cases where two children were born within a gap of one to one-and-a-half years, against an advocated gap of around three years were common. Consequently, this may result in premature deliveries of low birth weight babies.
Nutrition and Maternal Health Concerns
There is a high level of malnutrition among pregnant and lactating mothers, which often leads to infant deaths. Maternal health also plays an important role in determining IMR. Madhya Pradesh registered a maternal mortality ratio of 188 per 1 lakh live births from 2015 to 2017, against the country’s average of 122.
Lack of Antenatal Care
According to the National Family Health Survey -4 (2015-16), only 11.4% of mothers received full antenatal care. Lack of adequate monitoring during pregnancy often leads to complicated deliveries, despite the high number of institutional deliveries claimed.
Proposed Solutions to Lower IMR
Since health is predominantly a state subject, the responsibility for effective patient care lies with the state government. Therefore, a strong commitment from them regarding human and financial resources is crucial. Key areas to focus on include improving antenatal and postnatal care, revamping primary health care, establishing paediatric intensive care units, enhancing manpower, and leveraging digital platforms such as the National Health Portal.
Government Initiatives to Combat IMR
Central government initiatives such as the National Health Mission (NHM), India Newborn Action Plan and numerous other schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK), Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) were launched to promote institutional deliveries and reduce IMR.
Steps Towards Sustainable Development Goals
Efforts are underway to reduce the IMR to sustainable development goal levels- 23 per 1,000 live births by 2025. A proactive approach prioritizing preventive care is necessary. Efficient allocation and use of funds by the states are elemental for successful policy implementation and infrastructure overhaul. Ministries can work together to ensure better coordination and holistic integration of various schemes like the POSHAN Abhiyan.
