Telangana Improves Maternal and Infant Health
Telangana has made significant progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, as well as improving child nutrition. The state’s Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) dropped from 56 in 2019 to 43 in 2020, meaning there were 43 maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births. Similarly, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) declined from 23 in 2020 to 21.
According to the Telangana State Statistical Abstract (ATLAS) report, the state has performed better than the national average. In 2020, India’s MMR was 97, down from 103 in 2019, while the national IMR was 28, compared to 30 in 2020. Officials credit this improvement to better healthcare access, quality care, technological advancements, community support, and improved nutrition for women and children.
One of the key initiatives contributing to this progress is the Mother and Child Health (MCH) kit. This kit includes both financial and material support. Mothers receive Rs 12,000 for a male child and Rs 13,000 for a female child in four installments linked to health checkups and immunization. Additionally, a baby kit with 14 essential items is provided immediately after delivery. In 2023-24, around 2,08,950 MCH kits were distributed across the state.
The Aarogyasri health insurance scheme has also played a crucial role in improving healthcare. This government-sponsored program provides coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year, with an extended limit of Rs 10 lakh for advanced medical procedures. Between April 2023 and March 2024, approximately 3,55,494 individuals benefited from this scheme.
Malnutrition among children has also seen a decline. Among the total children in the state, 96.1% were found to be healthy. However, 1.36% were severely malnourished, and 0.39% were moderately malnourished. Out of 13,93,926 children surveyed, only 1.3% were moderately malnourished, while just 0.38% were severely malnourished.
To tackle malnutrition, Telangana enrolled 4,41,166 mothers in a supplementary nutrition program in 2023-24. Out of these, 3,14,997 mothers (71.4%) received nutritional support. Vikarabad had the highest participation at 79.8%, while Hyderabad recorded the lowest at 51.7%. Additionally, 18,04,997 children were enrolled in the program, with 74.8% (13,49,550 children) receiving supplementary nutrition. Vikarabad again had the highest share at 85.4%, while Medchal-Malkajgiri had the lowest at 60.3%.
Furthermore, under the child care supplementary nutrition program, 18,93,926 children were enrolled in 2023-24, and 97.7% (18,51,113 children) received the required nutrition. These efforts reflect Telangana’s commitment to improving healthcare and nutrition, ensuring a healthier future for its citizens.
