Maharashtra's Alarming Child Mortality Rate: An Urgent Call for Action

Over the past three years, Maharashtra's seven districts reported 14,526 child deaths, including cases of severe malnutrition. Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar revealed this data to the legislative assembly. The state has initiated several programs under the Integrated Child Development Services to combat malnutrition and reduce mortality rates.

In a troubling revelation, Maharashtra recorded 14,526 child deaths over a span of three years across seven districts, according to Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar. The figures were presented in a legislative assembly session, prompted by a question from BJP legislator Sneha Dubey.

The data, spanning 2022 to 2025, highlights a critical issue in Pune, Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur, Amravati, Akola, and Yavatmal, where infants and young children often succumbed to illnesses, including severe malnutrition. Palghar district, notably dominated by tribal populations, reported 138 infant deaths, underscoring regional disparities.

Abitkar pointed out the state's ongoing efforts under the Integrated Child Development Services to mitigate malnutrition. These include comprehensive health checks, nutrition campaigns, and targeted initiatives like the Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Amrut Aahar Yojana, aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes across Maharashtra.

(With inputs from agencies.)