The Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021, released on May 7, 2025, by the Registrar General of India (RGI), showcases significant improvements in maternal and child health indicators. For students preparing for competitive exams, this topic is vital for current affairs and health policy sections. This post simplifies the report’s key findings and their implications for easy understanding.
Decline in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)
A 37-Point Reduction
The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has decreased by 37 points, from 130 per lakh live births in 2014–16 to 93 per lakh live births in 2019–21, as per the Special Bulletin on Maternal Mortality. This progress outpaces global averages, with India achieving an 86% reduction in MMR from 1990 to 2023, compared to a global 48% reduction, according to the UN-MMEIG Report 2023.
Improvements in Child Mortality Indicators
Significant Declines
The SRS 2021 Report highlights reductions in key child mortality indicators:
- Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Dropped from 39 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 27 per 1000 live births in 2021.
- Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR): Decreased from 26 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 19 per 1000 live births in 2021.
- Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR): Reduced from 45 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 31 per 1000 live births in 2021.
The UN IGME Report 2024 notes India’s 78% decline in U5MR, 70% decline in NMR, and 71% decline in IMR from 1990 to 2023, surpassing global reductions of 61%, 54%, and 58%, respectively.
States Meeting SDG Targets
Achievements Ahead of 2030
Several states have achieved Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets early:
- MMR (≤70 by 2030): Kerala (20), Maharashtra (38), Telangana (45), Andhra Pradesh (46), Tamil Nadu (49), Jharkhand (51), Gujarat (53), Karnataka (63).
- U5MR (≤25 by 2030): Kerala (8), Delhi (14), Tamil Nadu (14), Jammu & Kashmir (16), Maharashtra (16), West Bengal (20), Karnataka (21), Punjab (22), Telangana (22), Himachal Pradesh (23), Andhra Pradesh (24), Gujarat (24).
- NMR (≤12 by 2030): Kerala (4), Delhi (8), Tamil Nadu (9), Maharashtra (11), Jammu & Kashmir (12), Himachal Pradesh (12).
Key Government Interventions
Driving Health Improvements
The Government of India has implemented strategic initiatives, including:
- Ayushman Bharat: Provides ₹5 lakh annual health coverage per family for free healthcare.
- Free institutional deliveries, including caesarean sections, with complimentary transport, medication, diagnostics, and nutrition support.
- Strengthened health infrastructure with Maternity Waiting Homes, Maternal and Child Health Wings, Obstetric ICUs, and Newborn Care Units.
- Clinical practices like antenatal corticosteroids, CPAP, and screening for birth defects.
- Training of skilled birth attendants and community health workers.
- Digital platforms for real-time health data surveillance.
These efforts support 300 lakh safe pregnancies and 260 lakh healthy live births annually.
Why This Matters for Competitive Exams
Questions on health policies, maternal and child health, and current affairs are common in exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and Railways. Understanding the SRS 2021 Report, Ayushman Bharat, and India’s progress in achieving SDG targets can help students excel in general awareness and essay sections.
Post Date: May 10, 2025