Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda recently announced a significant milestone: institutional deliveries India now stand at 89%. This marks a substantial increase from 79%, reflecting the dedicated work of ASHA workers and frontline health personnel. The announcement occurred during the 19th FICCI HEAL 2025 conference in New Delhi, emphasizing the government’s commitment to accessible and quality healthcare nationwide.
Boosting Institutional Deliveries in India
The rise in institutional deliveries demonstrates remarkable progress in India’s health sector. Childbirths at health facilities ensure safer conditions for both mothers and newborns. ASHA workers and frontline health personnel play a pivotal role here. They actively encourage pregnant women to opt for facility-based deliveries. Their consistent efforts have indeed transformed maternal care outcomes across the country. This focus on safe childbirth aligns with the goals of specialized training in maternal health, such as the Post Graduate Program In Obstetrics and the Post Graduate Program In Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Significant Improvements in Maternal and Child Health Indicators
India has made commendable strides across various key health indicators. For example, the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has decreased from 130 to 88 per lakh live births, according to the Sample Registration System. Similarly, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has reduced from 39 to 27 per thousand live births. These figures highlight steady progress in maternal and child health. The Certification Course In Paediatrics and the International Post Graduate Program In Pediatrics are crucial for professionals aiming to contribute to these improvements. Furthermore, the Under-Five Mortality Rate has seen a 42% decline, outperforming the global average of 14%. The Neonatal Mortality Rate also fell by 39%, compared to an 11% global reduction, underscoring rapid gains in newborn survival.
Government Initiatives for Comprehensive Healthcare
The government’s proactive approach supports a comprehensive and holistic health system. In 2017, India initiated a new era of healthcare, focusing on a continuum of care—from preventive to promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative services. To enhance accessibility, the government established 1.7 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs nationwide. These serve as primary points of contact for citizens, thus expanding healthcare delivery significantly. NITI Aayog’s vision, particularly ‘Viksit Bharat 2047,’ emphasizes enhanced and quality healthcare infrastructure, ensuring a robust and future-ready system. Training in areas like Family Medicine and General Practice equips healthcare professionals to deliver this comprehensive care effectively.
Financial Protection and Collaborative Efforts
The government remains focused on financial protection and affordability in healthcare. A progressive step involves proposing zero per cent GST on health insurance under the GST 2.0 framework. This aims to improve affordability and expand coverage for citizens, especially those over 70, who are now entitled to Ayushman coverage for life. Moreover, public-private collaboration is essential for accelerating progress in health outcomes and fostering innovation. Platforms like FICCI HEAL facilitate these vital discussions among policymakers, industry leaders, and experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the current percentage of institutional deliveries in India?
A: Institutional deliveries in India have risen to 89%, a notable increase from 79% previously.
Q2: How have ASHA workers contributed to this increase?
A: ASHA workers and frontline health personnel have made dedicated efforts, actively encouraging and facilitating pregnant women to utilize health facilities for childbirth, thereby significantly boosting institutional delivery rates.
Q3: What are some other key health indicators that have improved?
A: India has seen improvements in the Maternal Mortality Ratio (130 to 88 per lakh live births), Infant Mortality Rate (39 to 27 per thousand live births), Under-Five Mortality Rate (42% decline), and Neonatal Mortality Rate (39% decline).
References
- Institutional deliveries rose to 89% due to efforts of ASHA, frontline healthworkers: Nadda – ETHealthworld
- Mothers Shouldn’t Die: Significant Decline in Maternal Mortality in India – PMC.
- India achieves significant declines in maternal and child mortality, surpassing global averages – ET Government.
- The impact of India’s accredited social health activist (ASHA) program on the utilization of maternity services: a nationally representative longitudinal modelling study.
- Association between the use of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) services and uptake of institutional deliveries in India – PubMed.
- Institutional deliveries rose to 89% due to efforts of ASHA, frontline health workers: J P Nadda – The Economic Times.
- Govt focused on boosting comprehensive health, early detection, better access: JP Nadda.
- Funds no constraint, some states lack spending capacity, says JP Nadda – Fortune India.
- Union government working to achieve equitable, accessible and affordable healthcare by 2047 – Pharmabiz.com.
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