Telangana's Triumph: Halving Infant Mortality Rates Since 2014

Telangana is celebrating a monumental achievement in public health, having successfully reduced its Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) by an astounding 46% since its formation in 2014. This remarkable progress highlights the state's unwavering commitment to maternal and child healthcare, setting a new benchmark for other regions to emulate.

In 2014, the IMR in Telangana stood at a concerning 39 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Fast forward to 2022, as revealed by the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) Bulletin, this figure has plummeted to just 21 deaths per 1,000 live births. This dramatic reduction not only places Telangana significantly below the national IMR average of 27 but also underscores a profound positive shift in the health and well-being of its youngest citizens.

This success story is no accident; it is the direct result of a series of strategic and compassionate public health interventions spearheaded by the state government.

A cornerstone of this effort is the hugely popular 'KCR Kit' scheme. Launched with the dual purpose of promoting institutional deliveries and providing essential support to new mothers and their infants, the KCR Kit offers financial assistance and a basket of 16 essential items. This initiative has been instrumental in encouraging pregnant women to opt for safer, facility-based births, reducing the risks associated with home deliveries.

The impact is clearly visible, with institutional deliveries soaring from 79% in 2014 to an impressive 97% currently.

Complementing the KCR Kit, the 'Amma Vodi' scheme has played a vital role by ensuring free transportation for pregnant women to public health facilities for deliveries and post-natal care.

This eliminates a significant barrier to accessing timely medical attention, particularly for those in rural or underserved areas.

Beyond these flagship schemes, the government's holistic approach included a substantial strengthening of its public health infrastructure. This involved the construction and upgrading of Mother and Child Health (MCH) Centres, the appointment of thousands of new medical and paramedical staff, and the enhancement of diagnostic capabilities across districts.

Focus was also placed on providing comprehensive nutritional support, including iron and folic acid tablets for anemic pregnant women and supplementary nutrition for young children, addressing one of the root causes of poor maternal and child health outcomes.

The positive ripple effect of these initiatives extends beyond the IMR.

The Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR), which measures deaths of children before their fifth birthday, has also seen a significant drop, from 46 to 24 (a 47% reduction). Similarly, the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR), focusing on deaths within the first 28 days of life, decreased from 25 to 13, marking a 48% improvement.

These statistics collectively paint a picture of a state deeply invested in securing a healthier future for its children.

Health Minister T Harish Rao lauded these achievements, attributing the success to the visionary leadership and the dedicated efforts of healthcare professionals. He reaffirmed the state's ambitious goal of further reducing the IMR to single digits, demonstrating a continued commitment to achieving even higher standards in child survival and public health excellence.

Telangana's journey stands as a testament to what can be achieved with strategic planning, dedicated resources, and a compassionate vision for its people.