Improved Child and Neonatal Mortality Rates in Punjab, Thanks to Government Healthcare Initiatives

According to a representative from the health department, recent data reveals significant progress in child and neonatal mortality rates in Punjab, attributed to the implementation of various healthcare initiatives by the state government.

Dr. Adarshpal Kaur, the Director of Health Services, cited the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted between 2019 and 2021, indicating that the neonatal mortality rate (NNMR) and the rate of infants breastfed within one hour of birth are better than the national average. In Punjab, the infant mortality rate recorded in a 2020 survey was 18 deaths per 1,000 live births, demonstrating improvement compared to the national average of 28 deaths per 1,000 live births. Additionally, the under-five mortality rate in Punjab stands at 32, surpassing the national average of 42. Furthermore, the NNMR in Punjab, as reported by NFHS-5, is 22, notably lower than the national average of 42. These findings indicate positive trends in reducing child and neonatal mortality rates in Punjab. These statistics show the positive impact of healthcare initiatives implemented by the Punjab government in reducing child and neonatal mortality rates within the state.

Dr. R.P. Kaur, Director of Family Welfare in Punjab, highlighted the diligent implementation of national health initiatives such as the Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight (IDCF) and the Social Awareness and Action to Neutralise Pneumonia Successfully (SAANS) program within the state.

During a regional training of trainers organized by the Ministry of Health at the Union level, Dr. Abhinav Trikha, the Mission Director of the National Health Mission in Punjab and Secretary of Health, highlighted the significant progress in child healthcare services across the state. Dr. Trikha emphasized the extensive network of specialized facilities dedicated to newborn care, including 24 Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs), 79 Newborn Stabilization Units (NBSUs), and 208 Newborn Care Corners (NBCCs) currently operational in Punjab.