The Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021, on Maternal Deaths, released recently. The Registrar General of India (RGI) released the report on 07th May, 2025. The report shows India made a significant improvement in key maternal and child health indicators.

• Maternal Mortality Ratio drops significantly from 130 to 93 per lakh live births.
• Infant Mortality Rate declined from 39 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 27 per 1000 live births in 2021.
• Neonatal Mortality Rate falls from 26 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 19 per 1000 live births in 2021.
• Under-Five Mortality Rate has dropped from 45 per 1000 live births in 2014. It is 31 per 1000 live births in 2021.
• Fertility Rate is consistent at 2.0 in 2021.It was  2.3 in 2014.
• Sex Ratio at Birth improves from 899 to 913.

 8 Indian  States have already attained SDG target of MMR (<=70 by 2030). Kerala (20), Maharashtra (38), Telangana (45), Andhra Pradesh (46), Tamil Nadu (49), Jharkhand (51), Gujarat (53), Karnataka (63).

Twelve (12) States/UT have already attained SDG target of 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) and Gujarat (24).

Six (6) States/ UT have already attained SDG target of NMR (<=12 by 2030): Kerala (4), Delhi (8), Tamil Nadu (9), Maharashtra (11), Jammu & Kashmir (12) and Himachal Pradesh (12).

Indian women in their reproductive age face the following key challenges:

1. Lack of access to quality healthcare – especially in rural and low-income areas.
2. Limited reproductive rights and choices – including access to contraception and safe abortion.
3. High rates of anemia and malnutrition – affecting maternal health.
4. Early marriage and teenage pregnancies – leading to health risks.
5. Social stigma and lack of awareness – around menstruation and sexual health.
6. Gender inequality and limited autonomy – in making reproductive decisions
7. High prevalence: According to NFHS‑5 (2019–21), 57% of non‑pregnant and 52% of pregnant women aged 15–49 are anemic

LEARNING WITH TIMES/WITHOUT CLASSES/FROM HOME/BASICS

Maternal death is when a woman dies during her pregnancy or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy

MMR(Ratio) derived as the proportion of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births, reported under the SRS.

MMR(Rate). This calculated as maternal deaths to women in the ages 15-49 per lakh of women in that age group.

IMR: The death of a baby before his or her first birthday called infant mortality. The infant mortality rate is the number of infant deaths that occur for every 1,000 live births.

NNR: A neonatal death defined as a death during the first 28 days of life (0-27 days). It calculated per 1000 live births.

TFR: The total fertility rate in a specific year defined as the total number of children that would be born to each woman if she were to live to the end of her child-bearing years. And give birth to children in alignment with the prevailing age-specific fertility rates.

The target 3.1 of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set by United Nations. It aims at reducing the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.

The National Rural Health Mission. Reducing maternal and child mortality are among the most important goals of the National Rural Health Mission. (NRHM) ,launched on 12th April 2005, is a National effort at ensuring effective healthcare through a range of interventions at individual, household, community, and most critically at the health system
levels.

Maternity Benefit Scheme. Scheme to provide financial aid of Rs 6,000 to pregnant women who undergo institutional delivery for hospital admission. The scheme also meant to help with their child’s vaccination, as well as nutritional food.

Janani Surakhsa Yojana (JSY), which is a cash-based incentive of Rs 1,400 for institutional deliveries

 Ayushman Bharat. The world’s largest health assurance initiative, provides an annual health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family, ensuring financial protection and access to essential services.