Kerala’s Infant Mortality Rate Is Now Lower Than That the US

Thiruvananthapuram: For the first time in history, Kerala’s infant mortality rate (IMR) has dropped below that of a developed country like the United States. According to the latest Sample Registration System Statistical Report, Kerala’s IMR is 5 (per 1,000 live births), the lowest in India. The national average is 25. In comparison, the IMR in the United States is 5.6.

Kerala’s neonatal mortality rate (deaths within the first 28 days of life) is below 4. The national average is 18. Kerala reduced its IMR from 6 in 2021 to 5 in 2023 through continuous improvement in healthcare.

Health Minister Veena George congratulated all healthcare workers and supporting staff who contributed to this achievement.

She said  that the government gives high priority to maternal and child health. Steps have been taken to improve the quality of all delivery centres across the state. 16 government hospitals have received national quality certification, and six hospitals have received the national MusQan recognition. Kerala was the first state in India to implement the "Mother and Child Friendly Hospital Initiative".

All delivery hospitals now carry out comprehensive newborn screening to detect birth-related conditions early. The "Hridyam" program, which provides free treatment for children with congenital heart defects, continues successfully. So far, 8,450 children have received free heart surgery. The government gives special care during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, focusing on both physical and mental health.

The "Mathruyanam" scheme provides free transport for mothers and babies from hospital to home after delivery.

Free treatment is also provided for rare genetic disorders, which has helped reduce related deaths.

Importantly, Kerala has achieved this low infant mortality rate without any gap between urban and rural areas. The rate is uniform across the state, including tribal and coastal regions. Special neonatal intensive care units have been set up even in remote areas. This shows that healthcare services are being made equally available to all sections of society.