Uttarakhand's Infant Death Rate Hits New Low, SRS Data Reveals

Despite many challenges, Uttarakhand's health services are showing signs of improvement. According to the recent Sample Registration Survey (SRS) released by the central government, the state has seen a 3 per cent drop in newborn and infant death rates, while the death rate for children under five has decreased by 4 per cent.

As per the survey, the newborn death rate in Uttarakhand was 14 for every thousand live births in 2023, down from 17 in 2021. Similarly, the infant death rate fell to 20 in 2023 from 23 in 2021. The death rate for children under five also improved, coming down to 23 in 2023 from 27 in 2021. These figures, released by the Registrar General of India, are a big relief for the state.

Following a reduction in maternal deaths, there is now a decline in the death rates of newborns (from birth to 28 days), infants (up to one year), and children under five, which has been steadily decreasing since 2021. This positive result can be credited to the government's efforts, such as promoting hospital deliveries and running special campaigns through ASHA workers to ensure proper care and 100 per cent vaccination for pregnant women.

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Additionally, newborn care facilities have been expanded in medical units across the state. Under this initiative, hospitals have set up Neonatal ICUs, Special Newborn Care Units, Newborn Stabilisation Units, Newborn Care Corners, and Kangaroo Mother Care Units.

Uttarakhand's Health Minister, Dr Dhan Singh Rawat, said, "The Registrar General's report is very encouraging. This reduction in the newborn death rate is proof that the state's health systems have become stronger. ASHA workers have played the most important role in this; their tireless efforts have led to significant improvements in healthcare for pregnant women and newborns. The state government is continuously working to bring the infant mortality rate to the lowest possible level."

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