IN NEWS: Madhya Pradesh ranks highest in Infant Mortality Rate as per SRS Report
Introduction
The latest Sample Registration System (SRS) Report (2022) has revealed that Madhya Pradesh has the highest Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in the country. The findings have triggered political debate and concerns over public health outcomes, despite overall improvement in national IMR trends.
ANALYSIS
Infant Mortality Rate – Key Findings
- Madhya Pradesh ranks 1st (highest IMR) in India
- IMR in MP:
- Around 40 deaths per 1000 live births (as per article context)
- National Average (2022):
- 26 deaths per 1000 live births
Implication:
- Indicates serious gaps in maternal and child healthcare in the state
- Reflects regional disparities in health outcomes
National Trend in IMR
- Significant decline over decades:
- 1971: 129 deaths per 1000
- 2022: 26 deaths per 1000
- Last decade decline:
- From 40 → 26 (≈35% reduction)
Rural-Urban Trend:
- Rural: 44 → 29
- Urban: 27 → 18
Implication:
- Shows overall progress in India’s health sector
- However, inter-state inequality persists
Severity of the Issue
- Nationally:
- 1 in every 38 infants dies before age 1
- In MP:
- 40 out of 1000 infants fail to survive first year
Implication:
- Highlights urgency for:
- Neonatal care improvement
- Nutrition and maternal health interventions
Governance & Policy Concerns
- Issues raised:
- Questions on utilisation of health budget (~₹4500 crore)
- Allegations of nutrition-related irregularities (as per political criticism)
Implication:
- Points to:
- Need for better monitoring of health schemes
- Strengthening accountability mechanisms
Health System Challenges
- Possible contributing factors (from input context):
- Malnutrition
- Poor maternal healthcare access
- Institutional delivery gaps
- Weak healthcare infrastructure in rural areas
Implication:
- Requires targeted interventions in high-burden districts
- Strengthening of:
- Primary healthcare system
- Child nutrition programmes
STATIC PART
- Report Name: Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2022
- Published By: Registrar General of India
- Indicator: Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
- Definition:
- Number of infant deaths (below 1 year) per 1000 live births
- National IMR (2022): 26 per 1000
- Top (Highest IMR): Madhya Pradesh
Updated - 27 June 2025 | News Source: Dainik Jagran