India’s Infant Mortality Rate Drops to 24: Key State Gaps

The latest Sample Registration System (SRS) report reveals that India has significantly reduced its infant mortality rate. Specifically, the national rate dropped from 30 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2019 to 24 in 2024. This represents an encouraging average annual decline of about one point. However, severe disparities continue to persist across different states and demographics. Consequently, healthcare providers must analyze these variations to implement targeted clinical interventions.

State Disparities in Infant Mortality Rate

Indeed, the state-level data demonstrates a wide gap in healthcare outcomes. Chhattisgarh recorded the highest infant mortality rate of 36, closely followed by Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh at 35. In contrast, Kerala achieved the lowest rate of 8, while Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh all recorded 11. Although institutional deliveries have risen dramatically, Chhattisgarh demonstrates that hospital births alone cannot solve the crisis. For example, institutional deliveries in Chhattisgarh surged from 77% to 97%, yet the state achieved only an 18.3% reduction in infant deaths.

Urban-Rural and Gender Gaps in Healthcare

Furthermore, the report highlights a significant divide between rural and urban regions. Currently, rural areas experience an infant death rate of one in every 37 babies, compared to one in 59 in urban centers. Meanwhile, Assam shows the most dramatic rural-urban disparity, reporting rates of 31 and 14 respectively. Additionally, marked gender differences exist among several larger states. In Bihar, the rate stands at 25 for female infants compared to 21 for males. Conversely, Jammu and Kashmir recorded a higher mortality rate for male infants at 16 compared to 12 for females.

The Burden of Neo-natal Mortality Rate

Importantly, the bulk of these infant deaths occur within the first 28 days of life. This critical period represents the neo-natal mortality rate, which constitutes approximately 73% of overall infant deaths in India. Currently, the national average for newborn deaths is 18 per 1,000 live births. Once again, regional differences are prominent, as Kerala registered the lowest rate of 6. On the other hand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh recorded the highest rate at 26. Therefore, medical practitioners must prioritize early post-natal care to address these critical early days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the current infant mortality rate in India according to the 2024 SRS report?

Currently, the national rate is 24 deaths per 1,000 live births. This represents a significant decline from 30 in 2019.

Q2: Which state recorded the lowest infant mortality rate in the country?

Specifically, Kerala recorded the lowest rate at 8 deaths per 1,000 live births. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh recorded the highest rate at 36.

Q3: What percentage of infant deaths occur during the neo-natal period?

Indeed, neo-natal mortality accounts for approximately 73% of all infant deaths in India. Therefore, the first 28 days of life remain the most critical period for intervention, often requiring specialized skills found in advanced neonatal practice.

References

1. Infant deaths fall, but gap across states remains wide – ETHealthworld
2. Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2024 – Office of the Registrar General of India

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