As per the Sample Registration System (SRS) released by the Registrar General of India (RGI), the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of the country has significantly declined by 33 points from 130 in 2014-16 to 97 in 2018-20 per lakh live births.

Similarly, as per Sample Registration System (SRS) 2020, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of the country has declined from 39 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 28 per 1000 live births in 2020. Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) has declined from 26 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 20 per 1000 live births in 2020. Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) has declined from 45 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 32 per 1000 live births in 2020.

Over the past 30 years, as per United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group report (UN-MMIEG 1990-2020), the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India has declined by 83%, compared to the global reduction of 42%. Similarly, the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) in India has reduced by 65%, compared to 51% globally, Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) declined by 69% in India compared to 55% globally and Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) declined by 75% in India surpassing the global reduction of 58%.

The key technological advancements introduced under NHM for facilitating patient care are follows:

• U-WIN (Digital Vaccination Platform): The U-WIN Portal, launched in October 2024, is developed for the complete digitization of vaccination services and maintaining vaccination records for pregnant women and children from birth to 17 years under the Universal Immunization Programme.
• Tele-MANAS (Mental Health Helpline): The Government has launched a “National Tele Mental Health Programme” on 10th October 2022, to further improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country.
• MMU Monitoring Portal: Tracks Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) via GPS, enhancing field healthcare services.

To ensure the availability of essential drugs, diagnostics and to reduce the Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) of the patients visiting the public healthcare facilities including marginalized communities, the Government of India is providing financial support by implementing Free Drugs Service Initiative (FDSI) and Free Diagnostic Service Initiatives (FDSI) under National Health Mission (NHM) across all States and UTs.

As per the National Health Accounts Estimates, the Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) as percentage of Total Health Expenditure (THE) has declined from 64.2 % in 2013-14 to 39.4% in 2021-22.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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MV

HFW/ Update on Maternal and Child Health Indicators under NHM /18 March 2025/2