Maharashtra Records Alarming Infant Mortality Rate: 46 Deaths Daily, Mumbai Tops the List

Mumbai : Disturbing figures have emerged from Maharashtra’s public health records, revealing that the state loses an average of 46 infants daily, according to Right to Information (RTI) data accessed by Hindustan Times. Between 2017 and 2023, the state registered 117,136 infant deaths, with Mumbai leading the tally at 22,364 fatalities, followed by Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Akola, and Nashik.

An infant death is defined clinically as the death of a live-born baby before completing one year of age. The primary medical causes remain consistent: birth asphyxia, prematurity, infections, and low birth weight, exacerbated by delayed referrals, insufficient antenatal care, and fragile healthcare infrastructure.

While Mumbai saw a gradual decline in annual infant deaths — from 4,071 in 2017 to 2,832 in 2023 — some regions have witnessed concerning increases. For instance, Thane district’s toll nearly doubled, rising from 750 in 2017 to 1,380 in 2023, largely attributed to critical patient referrals from Palghar, which lacks adequate neonatal facilities.

In Akola, although total numbers were lower, the district reported a comparatively better infant mortality rate of 12.2, indicating signs of progress amidst broader challenges.

The year 2020 — coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic — witnessed the most significant drop in infant deaths. However, the numbers rose again post-pandemic, peaking in 2023 with 17,436 deaths across Maharashtra.

Government officials attribute the rise not just to increased cases, but also to improved surveillance, better reporting, and a higher number of institutional deliveries. Nevertheless, health experts warn that these statistics reflect chronic issues in the system, including poor infrastructure in rural districts, lack of neonatal ICU beds, and delays in referring critically ill infants to tertiary care centers.

Approximately 40% of reported infant deaths involve emergency referrals from neighboring districts, pointing to a need for decentralized neonatal care and stronger maternal health programs. Experts urge the state government to increase investments in district-level health infrastructure, including antenatal monitoring, skilled birth attendants, and emergency transport services.

As Maharashtra continues its push toward improving public health metrics, these figures serve as a sobering reminder of the gaps that still remain in ensuring the survival of the state’s youngest and most vulnerable.