90% of Indian babies are born in hospitals: NFHS-6 Survey (The Hindu)

Paper: GS – II, Subject: Governance, Topic: Government policies and Interventions, Issue: NFHS-6 Survey: Major Gains in Maternal and Child Health.

Context:

The Union Health Ministry has released the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6), conducted during 2023–24. The survey shows progress in institutional deliveries, antenatal care, vaccination and child nutrition, while also highlighting concerns such as rising caesarean sections, obesity and non-communicable disease risks.

Key Takeaways:

Explanation:

1.    Maternal Health Progress:

• Institutional deliveries have crossed 90%, showing that most births now occur in hospitals or recognised health facilities.
• This reduces risks linked to unsafe delivery, maternal complications and newborn mortality.
• Antenatal care has improved, with more pregnant women receiving early check-ups and at least four antenatal visits.
• Consumption of iron-folic acid supplements has also increased, helping address maternal anaemia and nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy.

2.   Child Health and Vaccination:

• Full vaccination coverage among children aged 12–23 months has increased.
• Public health facilities remain central to vaccination delivery.
• Improved coverage of vaccines, including rotavirus and measles-containing vaccines, helps reduce preventable child deaths and disease burden.
• Breastfeeding among infants under six months remains very high, supporting child immunity and nutrition.

3.   Nutrition Indicators:

• Stunting, severe wasting and underweight prevalence among children under five have declined.
• This shows gradual improvement in child nutrition and health outcomes.
• However, malnutrition still remains a concern because stunting and wasting affect physical growth, immunity and learning ability.

4.   Caesarean Sections and Health System Concerns:

• Caesarean section deliveries have increased sharply, especially in urban areas and private healthcare facilities.
• While caesarean delivery is life-saving when medically required, very high rates may indicate unnecessary intervention and commercialisation of childbirth.
• The survey also flags rising obesity, lifestyle-related risks and non-communicable diseases.

Conclusion:

NFHS-6 shows that India has made clear progress in maternal and child health, especially in hospital births, antenatal care, vaccination and nutrition outcomes. However, the rise in caesarean sections, obesity and lifestyle diseases shows that India must now focus on quality of care, regulation, preventive health and nutrition security.

Source: (The Hindu)

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