India Has the Highest Rate of Infant Deaths Due to Premature Birth

Over three lakh babies die annually in India, making it the country with the highest infant mortality rate.

According to a WHO Publication Born too Soon: The Global Action Report on Preterm Birth, out of an estimated annual 2.7 crore live births, 3.03 lakh babies die due to the complication of preterm birth. (Photo: iStockphoto)

Over three lakh babies die annually in India, making it the country with the highest number of infant deaths due to premature births, said Health Minister JP Nadda, on Tuesday.

As per the World Health Organisation (WHO) Publication <i>Born too Soon: The Global Action Report on Preterm Birth,</i> out of an estimated annual 2.7 crore live births, in India, 35 lakh babies are born preterm and out of these 3.03 lakh babies die due to the complication of preterm birth.

JP Nadda, Health Minister

Nadda said that under National Health Mission (NHM), key interventions are being implemented to bring down infant mortality. Newborn care services such as Special New Born Care Units, New Born Stabilisation Units, New Born Care Corners and provision of home-based newborn care – are being focussed upon.

Under NHM, the government promotes institutional delivery through Janani Suraksha Yojna – cash incentive scheme – for pregnant mothers and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram, which entitles all pregnant women and sick infants to free treatment at public health facilities.

JP Nadda, Health Minister