The National Health Mission (NHM) data recently highlighted a concerning health scenario in Madhya Pradesh. The northern Indian state has registered the highest percentage of newborn deaths at 11.5% against the total admissions to government-run Sick Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) over the past three years, well above the national average of 7%.
Understanding the Problem
India’s neonatal mortality rate portrays a concerning issue. Deaths usually result from premature births and low birth weight (35.9%), pneumonia (16.9%), birth asphyxia and trauma (9.9%), non-communicable diseases (7.9%), diarrhoea (6.7%), congenital anomalies (4.6%) and infections (4.2%). It is distressing that UNICEF reported an Under 5 Mortality Rate for India in 2018 standing at 39 deaths per 1000 live births, an Infant Mortality Rate at 32 deaths per 1000 live births and Neonatal Mortality Rate at 24 deaths per 1000 live births.
Madhya Pradesh’s Crisis Compared To National Scenario
The situation in Madhya Pradesh, despite comparatively lower hospital admissions from April 2017 to December 2019 than other states like West Bengal, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, still remains grim with a death percentage staying at 12.2%. Even though other states reported more neonatal deaths in numbers, the percentage of deaths in Madhya Pradesh remains the highest.
Rural and Tribal Areas Suffering
The situation in rural and tribal regions reveals a more disheartening picture. Among the 51 districts in Madhya Pradesh, 31 tribal districts report subpar nutrition levels and weak maternal health, leading to the death percentage of neonates exceeding 10. Lacking community referrals, inadequate transport and lack of disease awareness amongst parents contribute to this alarming state.
Urban Scenario
Urban areas of Madhya Pradesh not only deal with their cases but also tend to receive several severe cases referred from peripheral districts due to tertiary care availability, hence contributing to a higher neonatal death percentage in urban hospitals.
Highlighted Reasons
Several reasons surface for Madhya Pradesh’s concerning condition. A significant staff shortage, poor community referrals, lack of special transport service for neonates, over-reliance on city units and under-equipped units have all contributed to the increasing death percentage.
An Unbalance in Sex Ratio
Interestingly, the male neonate admissions considerably outweigh the female neonate admissions, with a sex ratio standing at 663 girls for every 1000 boys, falling behind the country average of 733.
Underreporting Cases
The NHM data indicates potential under-reporting of mortality cases with instances where more than 50% of child deaths under five years were unreported by government officials in 43 districts, likely with an intention to keep a clean record.
Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) Role
ASHAs are trained women from local communities who act as a bridge between the community and public healthcare system. They facilitate access to healthcare services, promote healthy behaviours, mobilize collective action for better health outcomes and provide community-level care. These activists play a crucial role in combating the current distressing health situation in Madhya Pradesh.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024