Nagpur: In a startling revelation, the Maharashtra Health Department has disclosed alarming figures. Health Minister Tanaji Sawant, presenting statistics in the Legislative Assembly, stated that between April and October of this year, over 4,800 newborns have lost their lives in the state. Responding to questions from BJP legislator Sachin Kalyan Shetty in the Assembly, Health Minister Tanaji Sawant revealed that Maharashtra has witnessed 4,872 infant deaths during this period. The age of these deceased infants ranged from the day of birth to just 28 days. He further emphasized that on average, 23 infants succumb to mortality daily.
The districts most affected by infant mortality are Mumbai, Thane, Solapur, Akola, and Nandurbar. Minister Sawant pointed out that 16% of the 4,872 deaths, i.e., 795 infants, faced difficulties related to respiratory issues. He claimed that there are 52 centers operating to provide medical care for infants, and all sick children receive free medication, tests, and transportation in government hospitals.
Although there is a decline in the neonatal mortality rate, it’s essential to note that the overall scenario in the country has seen a continuous reduction. In 2019, the infant mortality rate was 22 per 1,000 live births, which decreased to 20 in 2020. This means that in India, after 2019, there were 22 child deaths for every 1,000 live births, and in 2020, this figure decreased to 20. In urban areas, the neonatal mortality rate is 12 per thousand, while in rural areas, it is 23 per thousand.
According to a UNICEF report, approximately one-fifth of the world’s 2.5 crore annual births occur in India, where one infant dies every minute. In 1990, India contributed to three-quarters of neonatal deaths globally, but today, it is less than a quarter. Compared to 1990, there has been a significant reduction of almost 10 lakh deaths in neonatal mortality in India every month since 2016.
