India Reaches 90.6% Institutional Births as Maternal Care Improves

The National Family Health Survey-6 reveals a rise in institutional births in India from 88.6% to 90.6% between 2019-2021 and 2023-24. The survey highlights improvements in maternal care, including antenatal services and maternal nutrition, supporting the country's push towards universal healthcare coverage.

India has achieved a milestone in maternal healthcare with institutional deliveries climbing to 90.6% in 2023-24, up from 88.6% in 2019-2021, according to the latest National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS).

The NFHS-6, which assessed 6.79 lakh households across India's 715 districts, also reports notable improvements in maternal health indicators. These include increased antenatal care access, where 95.9% of pregnant women received care and those receiving it in the first trimester rose to 76.2%. Additionally, mothers attending at least four antenatal visits increased to 65.2%, showcasing enhanced continuity in healthcare services.

Several government initiatives are credited for these gains, such as the Janani Suraksha Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, which have fortified India's public health framework.