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India's Maternal, Child Health Shows Remarkable Progress

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 15:49 GMT by Daily
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New Delhi, February 10th, 2026 - The Economic Survey 2025-26, presented to Parliament today, paints a remarkably optimistic picture of India's advancements in maternal and child health. The report details significant declines in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), and Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR), signaling a profound positive shift in the nation's healthcare landscape. While celebrating these achievements, the survey also issues a crucial call for sustained effort, equitable access, and a focused approach to address remaining regional disparities.

For decades, reducing IMR, MMR, and U5MR has been a central tenet of India's public health policy. These indicators serve not only as vital statistics but also as barometers of socio-economic progress. The newly released data demonstrates a clear trajectory of improvement, driven by a multi-pronged strategy encompassing targeted programs, infrastructural development, and heightened public awareness. The Economic Survey attributes this success not to a single factor, but to a synergistic effect of consistent implementation of national healthcare initiatives.

The Impact of Key Programs:

The National Health Mission (NHM), launched in 2005, remains a cornerstone of this progress. The NHM's comprehensive approach, focusing on reproductive and child health, maternal and child health interventions, and addressing key determinants of health, has demonstrably improved access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved areas. Crucially, the NHM's flexible framework allows states to tailor programs to their specific needs and challenges.

The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), a conditional cash transfer scheme, has been instrumental in promoting institutional deliveries. By incentivizing women to deliver in healthcare facilities, the JSY has significantly reduced the incidence of unsafe deliveries, a major contributor to MMR. The survey notes a continued rise in institutional delivery rates, coupled with a corresponding decrease in home births, demonstrating the scheme's effectiveness. Beyond JSY, other programs such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) provide vital nutrition and early childhood care, creating a foundation for healthy development and reduced mortality.

Regional Disparities: The Continuing Challenge:

Despite the overall positive trend, the Economic Survey rightfully highlights the persistent issue of regional disparities. While some states have witnessed dramatic improvements in health indicators, others lag behind. This uneven progress is often linked to factors such as access to healthcare infrastructure, socio-economic conditions, and geographical challenges. Remote and rural areas, particularly those with limited connectivity, continue to face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare. The survey emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address these specific challenges, including strengthening primary healthcare centers, increasing the availability of skilled birth attendants, and improving access to emergency obstetric care.

The Road Ahead: Strengthening Primary Healthcare and Beyond:

The survey outlines a strategic roadmap for further improvement. Strengthening primary healthcare facilities is identified as a key priority. This includes investing in infrastructure, equipment, and, crucially, human resources. The shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas, remains a major constraint. The survey suggests exploring innovative solutions such as telemedicine, mobile health clinics, and incentivizing healthcare workers to serve in underserved areas.

Furthermore, enhancing antenatal and postnatal care is deemed essential. Regular check-ups, nutritional counseling, and early detection of complications can significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes. The Economic Survey also calls for increased focus on promoting institutional deliveries, ensuring access to skilled birth attendants, and providing comprehensive postnatal care for both mothers and newborns.

Beyond healthcare infrastructure and service delivery, the survey recognizes the importance of addressing the social determinants of health. Poverty, malnutrition, lack of education, and gender inequality all contribute to poor health outcomes. Integrated approaches that address these underlying factors are crucial for achieving sustainable improvements in IMR, MMR, and U5MR. The convergence of various government schemes - related to nutrition, education, sanitation, and women's empowerment - is vital to amplify the impact of healthcare interventions.

The Economic Survey 2025-26 isn't merely a statistical report; it's a crucial document providing insights and guidance for policymakers and healthcare professionals. It serves as a testament to India's commitment to improving the health and well-being of its citizens and a powerful call to action for continued progress in maternal and child health.