What is the current Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India and what are the targets?

As per the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) Special Bulletin on Maternal Mortality in India (2018-2020), the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) for India stands at 97 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. This marks a significant decline from 130 in 2014-16. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.1 aims to reduce the global MMR to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. India is committed to achieving this target, and continued efforts are focused on improving access to quality antenatal, intra-natal, and postnatal care, especially in high-MMR states. The 3-2-1 mortality target for India is to reduce MMR to 70, IMR to 23, and U5MR to 25 by 2025 (as per NHM goals, though SDG targets are 2030).

How does Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) differ from Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)?

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a conditional cash transfer scheme launched in 2005 to promote institutional delivery by providing financial incentives to pregnant women. Its primary goal is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by encouraging women to give birth in health facilities. In contrast, Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), launched in 2011, is a rights-based entitlement scheme that provides free services to pregnant women and sick infants. JSSK ensures free diagnostics, blood, drugs, diet, and transport for pregnant women delivering in public health institutions, and similar benefits for sick neonates and infants up to one year of age. While JSY focuses on financial incentives for institutional delivery, JSSK ensures cost-free access to essential services once a woman reaches a public health facility, complementing JSY's objective.

What are the key indicators used to assess child health in India?

Key indicators for assessing child health in India include the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), which measures deaths of children under one year of age per 1,000 live births; the Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR), which measures deaths of children under five years of age per 1,000 live births; and nutritional status indicators such as stunting (low height-for-age), wasting (low weight-for-height), and underweight (low weight-for-age), typically measured in children under five. Additionally, immunization coverage rates for various vaccine-preventable diseases, prevalence of anemia in children, and access to basic healthcare services are crucial metrics. These indicators are regularly tracked through surveys like the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and the Sample Registration System (SRS).

What role do Anganwadi Centres play in Maternal and Child Health?

Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) are the focal points for the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, playing a crucial role in MCH, especially in rural areas. They provide a package of six services: supplementary nutrition for children (0-6 years) and pregnant/lactating women, pre-school non-formal education for children (3-6 years), nutrition and health education for women, immunization, health check-ups, and referral services. Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) are instrumental in identifying malnourished children, counseling mothers on infant and young child feeding practices, and facilitating access to health services, thus acting as a vital link between the community and the formal healthcare system.

How has COVID-19 impacted Maternal and Child Health services in India?

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted MCH services in India. Diversion of healthcare resources, fear of infection, and mobility restrictions led to a decline in the utilization of essential services such as antenatal care (ANC) visits, institutional deliveries, postnatal care, and routine immunization. Supply chain disruptions affected the availability of essential medicines and nutritional supplements. Frontline workers, often repurposed for COVID-19 duties, faced increased workload and risk. While the long-term impacts are still being assessed, initial reports indicate potential increases in maternal and child mortality and a rise in malnutrition rates due to service interruptions and economic hardships faced by vulnerable families. Efforts are now focused on restoring and strengthening these services, leveraging digital health solutions.

What is the significance of the PCPNDT Act in MCH?

The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 (PCPNDT Act) is crucial for MCH as it aims to prevent female feticide and address the declining child sex ratio. By prohibiting sex determination before or after conception and regulating the use of pre-natal diagnostic techniques, the Act seeks to ensure the survival and well-being of the girl child. Its effective implementation is vital for promoting gender equality and ensuring that girls have an equal right to life and health, which are fundamental aspects of comprehensive child health. Violations of this Act undermine the very foundation of MCH by perpetuating gender discrimination.

What is the '3-2-1' mortality target in the context of MCH in India?

The '3-2-1' mortality target is a simplified mnemonic for India's ambitious goals to reduce key mortality indicators. It refers to the aim of reducing the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) to 70 per 100,000 live births, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) to 23 per 1,000 live births, and the Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) to 25 per 1,000 live births. While the specific target year for these NHM goals is often cited as 2025, they align with the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which aim for achievement by 2030. These targets guide policy formulation and program implementation under the National Health Mission and related initiatives, emphasizing a concerted effort across the continuum of care for mothers and children.

← ALL TOPICS

Social Justice & Welfare

NEXT TOPIC →

Right to Health

Maternal and Child Health

Social Justice & Welfare

Constitution VerifiedUPSC Verified

Version 1Updated 9 Mar 2026

Explore This Topic

Definition Detailed Explanation Landmark Judgments Basic Structure Amendments UPSC Importance Prelims Strategy Mains Strategy Prelims MCQs Mains Questions MCQ Practice Predicted 2026 Revision Notes Current Affairs

The Constitution of India, while not explicitly mentioning 'Maternal and Child Health' as a fundamental right, implicitly guarantees it through various provisions. Article 21, the 'Right to Life and Personal Liberty,' has been expansively interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to health, dignity, and a healthy environment, which directly encompasses MCH. Furthermore, the Directive P…

Quick Summary

Maternal and Child Health (MCH) is a vital public health domain focusing on the well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, and children from birth through adolescence. In India, MCH is underpinned by constitutional provisions like Articles 21, 39(e)&(f), 42, and 47, which mandate the state to ensure health, dignity, and maternity relief.

Key indicators such as Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR), and nutritional status (stunting, wasting, anemia) are used to track progress. India's MCH strategy is primarily driven by the National Health Mission (NHM), which encompasses the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and National Urban Health Mission (NUHM).

Flagship schemes include Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) for promoting institutional deliveries, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) for maternity benefits, POSHAN Abhiyaan for combating malnutrition, and Mission Indradhanush for universal immunization.

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, delivered through Anganwadi Centres, provides a comprehensive package of services for early childhood development. Frontline workers like ASHAs, ANMs, and Anganwadi Workers are crucial for grassroots implementation.

Despite significant strides, challenges such as financing gaps, equity disparities, human resource shortages, and quality of care persist. Recent developments include the integration with Ayushman Bharat, the Anaemia Mukt Bharat strategy, and leveraging digital health solutions.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant disruptions, highlighting the need for resilient health systems. States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu serve as best-practice models due to strong public health systems and high female literacy.

Vyyuha

Your 6-Month Blueprint, Updated Nightly

AI analyses your progress every night. Wake up to a smarter plan. Every. Single.…

Constitutional Basis: Art 21 (Right to Life), Art 39(e)(f) (Child Protection), Art 42 (Maternity Relief), Art 47 (Public Health).

Key Schemes: NHM (NRHM, NUHM), JSY, PMMVY, POSHAN Abhiyaan, Mission Indradhanush, ICDS, RBSK.

Frontline Workers: ASHA, ANM, AWW.

Indicators: MMR (97/100k, 2018-20), IMR (28/1000, 2020), U5MR (32/1000, 2020), Stunting (35.5% NFHS-5), Wasting (19.3% NFHS-5).

Legal Acts: MTP Act (2021), PCPNDT Act (1994), JJ Act (2015), Child Labour Act (2016).

Targets: '3-2-1' mortality targets (MMR 70, IMR 23, U5MR 25 by 2025/2030).

Vyyuha Quick Recall: JIMPS J - Janani Suraksha Yojana (Institutional Delivery) I - Integrated Child Development Services (Early Childhood Development) M - Mission Indradhanush (Immunization) P - POSHAN Abhiyaan (Nutrition) S - Swasthya Garbh (Maternal Health Initiative - a recent example)

Mortality Targets: The '3-2-1' target for India aims to reduce MMR to 70, IMR to 23, and U5MR to 25 by 2025 (NHM goals, aligning with SDG 2030 targets).

Maternal and Child Health

Quick Summary

Related Topics