Haryana’s Infant Mortality Rate Drops to 24 per 1,000 Live Births, Matching the National Average

According to the recent National Family Health Survey‑5 (NFHS‑5) released by the Office of the Registrar General, Haryana’s infant mortality rate (IMR) has slipped to 24 deaths per 1,000 live births. That number, while still a sobering reminder of the work ahead, now mirrors the all‑India average of 24.

It’s a notable improvement from the 30‑plus deaths per 1,000 live births recorded in the previous NFHS round. Over the last ten years, the state has steadily trimmed its IMR, thanks in part to concerted government programmes and better health‑care infrastructure.

Health officials point to a handful of factors that helped pull the numbers down. Institutional deliveries have risen sharply, with more than 90 % of births now taking place in hospitals or certified health centres. Immunisation coverage has climbed as well, and schemes such as Janani Suraksha Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana have expanded cash incentives for pregnant women, encouraging earlier and more frequent prenatal check‑ups.

Still, the data reveals some disparities. Rural districts lag behind their urban counterparts, and female infant mortality, though slightly lower than male rates, remains a concern. The state health department says it will double down on nutrition programmes, especially for mothers and newborns, and push for wider outreach of community health workers.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, speaking after the report’s release, praised the progress but cautioned that “the battle is far from over.” He pledged additional funding for primary health centres and urged local authorities to keep the momentum going.

Overall, the alignment with the national average suggests that Haryana’s strategies are beginning to bear fruit. If the trend holds, the state could soon breach the 20‑per‑1,000 mark, a threshold that would place it among the better‑performing regions in the country.