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Key Points

Madhya Pradesh continues to struggle with alarmingly high maternal and infant mortality rates, lagging behind the national average. The latest SRS report reveals 159 maternal deaths per lakh births and 40 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. Rural areas face higher mortality rates, with female infants disproportionately affected. Despite marginal improvements, systemic inefficiencies and poor healthcare access remain major hurdles.

Key Points: Madhya Pradesh Lags in Maternal and Infant Mortality Rates

  • MP records 159 maternal deaths per lakh births
  • Infant mortality at 40 per 1,000 births
  • Rural areas see higher female infant deaths
  • Urban hospitals struggle with systemic inefficiencies
3 min read

MP battles maternal, infant mortality crisis as progress lags behind national average: SRS report

MP struggles with high maternal and infant deaths, falling behind national health benchmarks despite marginal improvements, reveals SRS report.

"These figures represent profound grief of families losing mothers and newborns due to inadequate healthcare. - SRS Report"

Bhopal, June 27

Madhya Pradesh continues to grapple with alarming maternal and newborn mortality rates, placing it among the most challenged states in India in terms of public health outcomes.

According to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) report released by the Registrar General of India for Madhya Pradesh, there were 159 maternal deaths per one lakh live births and 40 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.

The SRS report presents the estimates of Birth Rate, Death Rate, Natural Growth Rate and Infant Mortality Rate for the year 2022 for India and its States/Union Territories.

The 'Bigger States/Union Territories' in the Bulletin are those with a population of more than 10 million, as per the Census 2011.

In 2022, the Birth Rate for India has been estimated at 19.1, whereas the Death Rate has been estimated at 6.8 and the estimate of Infant Mortality Rate for the year 2022 is 26 infant deaths per thousand live births.

These figures are not just statistical markers but represent the profound grief of families who lose mothers and the newborn due to inadequate healthcare access, delayed treatment, and insufficient delivery infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, addressing a recent event in Bhopal, acknowledged the marginal improvements in these indicators but emphasised that the state still has a long way to go.

The leader urged health officials and medical professionals to intensify efforts and treat the issue with utmost seriousness.

The national Infant Mortality Rate stands at 26, while the BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh lags behind with a rate of 40, reflecting a 60 per cent higher burden than the national average.

In 2013, India’s Infant Mortality Rate was 40, which has since declined by 35 per cent. In contrast, Madhya Pradesh’s Infant Mortality Rate dropped from 53 to 40 over the same period, indicating slower progress.

The disparity is further evident in gender and regional breakdowns.

In rural areas, the Infant Mortality Rate is 43, while in urban regions it is 28. Female infants in rural Madhya Pradesh face a mortality rate of 44 compared to 42 for males, highlighting a subtle but persistent gender gap.

The maternal health scenario is equally concerning in Madhya Pradesh.

A significant proportion of maternal deaths — nearly 60 per cent—occur in government medical colleges, all located in urban areas, and another 20 per cent in district hospitals.

This trend suggests that even in better-equipped urban centres, systemic inefficiencies and poor fund utilisation are undermining maternal care in the state.

Madhya Pradesh's slow pace in reducing neonatal and under-five mortality further underscores the need for targeted interventions, improved institutional delivery systems, and stronger community health outreach.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is heartbreaking 💔 How can we call ourselves a developing nation when mothers and babies are dying at such rates? The government must prioritize healthcare infrastructure in rural MP. Just building hospitals isn't enough - we need trained staff, proper equipment and accountability!
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Amit S.
The numbers speak for themselves - MP is lagging far behind. While some improvement is there, it's too slow. We need to learn from states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu who've done better in healthcare. Why can't we implement their successful models?
R
Rahul V.
The gender gap in infant mortality is worrying. Even in death, our girls face discrimination. This shows we need awareness campaigns along with medical improvements. Beti Bachao must include healthcare access in rural areas!
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Sunita M.
As someone from MP, I've seen this crisis firsthand. Many villages still rely on daais (traditional birth attendants) because hospitals are too far. The Janani Express ambulances often come too late. More PHCs with emergency obstetric care are needed urgently.
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Vikram J.
The report mentions poor fund utilization - this is the real issue! Crores are allocated but where does the money go? We need transparency in health budgets and strict audits. No more excuses, MP government must act now.
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Neha P.
While criticizing the government is easy, we must also acknowledge that malnutrition is a root cause. MP's agricultural wealth isn't reaching its poorest. Anganwadi workers are overburdened and underpaid. Holistic solutions needed - healthcare + nutrition + education.

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