India's Efforts in Reducing Child Mortality Praised by United Nations
The United Nations has praised India’s health system and the Ayushman Bharat scheme for playing a crucial role in reducing child mortality rates. According to the report, India has reduced the mortality rate of children under five by 70% and newborn mortality by 61% since 2000. The improved health infrastructure and free childbirth services have saved millions of children’s lives.
The United Nations, highlighting initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, acknowledged India's efforts and progress in reducing child mortality. The global body stated that the country has saved millions of lives through strategic investments in its health system.
Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest health insurance scheme, providing up to five lakh rupees in annual coverage per family. The United Nations Inter-Agency Group's Child Mortality Assessment Report, released on March 25, mentioned India, along with countries like Nepal, Senegal, Ghana, and Burundi, for their contributions in reducing child mortality and the strategies that played a vital role in this progress.
What the Report Says About India
The report stated that these countries showed that political will, evidence-based strategies, and continuous investments can significantly reduce mortality rates. Regarding India, the report emphasized that the country improved its situation through investments in its health system. Through strategic investments, India has already saved millions of lives and paved the way for healthier lives for millions more.
Since 2000, India has achieved a 70% reduction in the mortality rate of children under five and a 61% reduction in newborn mortality. This was made possible due to measures taken to increase health coverage, improve the existing situation, and develop health infrastructure and human resources.
Lives Saved Through These Measures
The report highlighted that every pregnant woman is entitled to free delivery services, and child care institutions offer free transportation, medicine, diagnosis, and nutrition. To ensure comprehensive coverage of health services, India has strengthened infrastructure for maternity waiting homes, maternal and child health wings, sick newborn care, maternal care, and birth defect screening. This has ensured millions of healthy pregnancies and live births every year. India has also prioritized the training and deployment of midwives and skilled birth assistants to provide maternal and child health services.