Karnataka's Remarkable Stride: Infant Mortality Rate Dips Further, Signifying Health Progress

The latest data from the Sample Registration System (SRS) 2023 brings heartwarming news from Karnataka, showcasing the state's steadfast commitment to the well-being of its youngest citizens. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in Karnataka has witnessed a commendable drop, falling by one point from 19 to 18.

This positive trajectory is mirrored in the Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR), which also decreased from 22 to 21, signaling a significant stride in public health outcomes.

This achievement places Karnataka in a favorable position when compared to the national averages, which stand at 27 for IMR and 32 for U5MR.

The state's consistent efforts in enhancing maternal and child healthcare are clearly yielding tangible results, laying a stronger foundation for the future generation. The reduction in these critical indicators underscores the efficacy of various health initiatives and improved access to medical facilities.

A key factor contributing to this remarkable decline is the significant increase in institutional deliveries across the state.

With an impressive 96.5% of live births now occurring in medical facilities, new mothers and their infants are receiving crucial professional care during the vulnerable perinatal period. This rise in supervised births drastically reduces the risks associated with home deliveries, preventing complications for both mother and child.

The Karnataka government, alongside various health organizations, has been proactive in implementing and strengthening programs designed to improve child survival.

Initiatives such as the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) have played pivotal roles. These schemes provide financial assistance, free healthcare services, and nutritional support to pregnant women and new mothers, addressing critical socio-economic determinants of health.

While the current figures are a cause for celebration, the journey towards zero preventable child deaths continues.

The focus now shifts to further reducing these rates, particularly in neonatal mortality, and ensuring that the benefits of advanced healthcare reach every corner of the state, especially rural and underserved areas. Karnataka's sustained commitment to these crucial health indicators promises an even brighter and healthier future for its children.