India’s health indicators released by the Union Health Ministry

Major findings of India’s health indicators released by the Union Health Ministry recent.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released today the results from the first phase of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), 2015-16. National Family Health Surveys have been conducted under the stewardship of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, with the International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, serving as the nodal agency. Findings for the 13 States of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and two Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Puducherry show promising improvements in maternal and child health and nutrition. Data collection for the second phase States and Union Territories is currently ongoing. The results from NFHS-4 in 15 States/Union Territories indicate that fewer children are dying in infancy and early childhood. Infant mortality rates range from a low of 10 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands to a high of 51 deaths per 1000 live births in Madhya Pradesh.

Better care for women during pregnancy and childbirth contributes to reduction of maternal deaths and improved child survival. Almost all mothers have received antenatal care for their most recent pregnancy and increasing numbers of women are receiving the recommended four or more visits by the service providers. Full immunization coverage among children age 12-23 months varies widely in the First Phase States/Union Territories. At least 6 out of 10 children have received full immunization in 12 of the 15 States / Union Territories. Fewer children under five years of age are now found to be stunted, showing intake of improved nutrition. Married women are less likely to be increase in the use of modern family planning methods. Poor nutrition is less common than reported in the last round of National Family Health Survey. Indian families in the First Phase households are now more inclined to use improved water and sanitation facilities, have access to an improved source of drinking water, Use of clean cooking fuel, which reduces the risk of respiratory illness and pollution.