Context:
Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda recently stated that India’s institutional delivery rate has risen to 89 percent, up from 79 percent in 2014. This significant shift towards hospital-based childbirth has directly contributed to a sharp decline in the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), which has fallen to 88 per 100,000 live births during the 2020–22 period.
Key Statistics and Trends:
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- Decline in MMR: India’s national MMR declined from 130 in 2014–16 to 93 in 2019–21, and further to 88 in 2020–22, reflecting sustained improvements in maternal healthcare outcomes.
- Rise in Institutional Deliveries: According to NFHS-5 data, institutional births increased to 88.6 percent nationally—87 percent in rural areas and 94 percent in urban areas—indicating improved access to formal healthcare facilities.
- State-Level Achievements: Eight States—Kerala (18), Maharashtra (36), Telangana (50), Andhra Pradesh (47), Tamil Nadu (38), Jharkhand (50), Gujarat (55), and Karnataka (58)—have already surpassed the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing MMR below 70.
- Role of Frontline Health Workers: Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and other frontline health personnel have played a crucial role in mobilising pregnant women towards institutional deliveries, thereby driving the observed improvements.
- Decline in MMR: India’s national MMR declined from 130 in 2014–16 to 93 in 2019–21, and further to 88 in 2020–22, reflecting sustained improvements in maternal healthcare outcomes.
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Government Initiatives Supporting Maternal Health:
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- Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK): These schemes ensure free and cashless institutional deliveries, including caesarean sections, along with free medicines, diagnostics, and transport.
- Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA): This initiative provides free, assured antenatal care on the 9th of every month. As of 2025, over nine crore pregnant women have benefited from the programme.
- Infrastructure Strengthening: The expansion of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Wings and the establishment of Maternity Waiting Homes have improved access to maternal healthcare services, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
- Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK): These schemes ensure free and cashless institutional deliveries, including caesarean sections, along with free medicines, diagnostics, and transport.
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Collectively, these measures have enabled India to achieve the National Health Policy (2017) target of reducing MMR below 100 and place the country on track to meet the SDG target for 2030.
About Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR):
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- The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. It reflects the risk of death from maternal causes during a single pregnancy.
- Maternal deaths include those occurring during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, excluding deaths from accidental or incidental causes.
- The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. It reflects the risk of death from maternal causes during a single pregnancy.
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Conclusion:
The increase in institutional deliveries to 89 percent, alongside the steady reduction in maternal mortality, highlights India’s significant progress in maternal healthcare. The alignment of domestic health initiatives with international measurement standards ensures effective monitoring and evidence-based policymaking. However, sustaining these gains will require continued emphasis on quality of care, addressing inter-State and regional disparities, and strengthening health systems to ensure safe and equitable maternal healthcare for all.
