Institutional Deliveries in India Rise to 90.6% by 2023-24
India has seen a significant increase in institutional deliveries, indicating improved maternal healthcare access and utilization across the country.
Source: HT India NewsA recent survey reveals that institutional deliveries in India have increased from 88.6% in 2019-2020 to 90.6% in 2023-24. This positive trend highlights the success of various government initiatives aimed at promoting safe childbirth in medical facilities. Institutional delivery refers to childbirth in a hospital, health centre, or clinic, attended by trained medical professionals. The rise in institutional deliveries is crucial for reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. The survey data indicates a sustained effort in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and awareness campaigns. This improvement reflects better access to healthcare services, especially in rural and remote areas, ensuring safer outcomes for mothers and newborns.
This data is important for competitive exams like UPSC (GS Paper II - Social Justice, Health) and SSC General Awareness. It reflects the effectiveness of government health schemes and policies related to maternal and child health. Aspirants should understand the factors contributing to this rise, such as improved healthcare access, awareness, and the role of specific government programs. It also highlights India's progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3) related to health and well-being.
- Institutional deliveries in India increased from 88.6% in 2019-2020.
- The percentage of institutional deliveries reached 90.6% by 2023-24.
- This represents a 2 percentage point increase over four years.
- The data was released through a recent survey.
- Institutional delivery helps reduce maternal mortality rate (MMR).
- It also contributes to lowering infant mortality rate (IMR).
Institutional delivery refers to the process of childbirth taking place in a medical facility such as a hospital, health centre, or clinic. These deliveries are attended by skilled health professionals like doctors, nurses, or midwives. The primary goal is to ensure a safe delivery environment, manage complications, and provide immediate postnatal care to both mother and newborn, significantly reducing risks associated with childbirth.
Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births during a specified period. A maternal death is the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes.
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is the number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1,000 live births. This rate is often used as an indicator of the overall health and well-being of a country, reflecting the quality of healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition available to its population. Reducing IMR is a key public health goal.
UPSC and State PSC exams frequently ask about government health schemes, maternal and child health indicators, and India's progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Be prepared to link these statistics to specific policies.
Remember '90.6' as 'Nine-Oh-Six' for 2023-24, like a safe delivery score. The '9' for 'newborns' and '0.6' for 'on track'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current percentage of institutional deliveries in India as per the latest survey?
As per the latest survey, the current percentage of institutional deliveries in India stands at 90.6% for the period 2023-24. This marks a notable increase from previous years, reflecting improved healthcare access and utilization across the nation.
How has the rate of institutional deliveries changed in India between 2019-2020 and 2023-24?
The rate of institutional deliveries in India has increased from 88.6% in 2019-2020 to 90.6% in 2023-24. This represents a positive growth of 2 percentage points over the four-year period, indicating progress in maternal healthcare.
Why is an increase in institutional deliveries important for public health in India?
An increase in institutional deliveries is crucial for public health in India because it significantly reduces maternal and infant mortality rates. Childbirth in medical facilities ensures access to skilled birth attendants, emergency care for complications, and better postnatal support, leading to safer outcomes for both mothers and newborns.