Kerala records historic fall in infant mortality, Chandigarh tops in lowest death rate
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New Delhi: Kerala has achieved a milestone in public health, with its Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) dropping to 5 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023, the lowest among India’s larger states and even below the United States, which reported 5.6 in 2022. The national average remains far higher at 25, according to the government’s Sample Registration System (SRS) report.
Among smaller regions, Manipur recorded the lowest IMR at 3, followed by Ladakh with 4 deaths per 1,000 live births. The report noted that Manipur’s estimates were based on 130 sample units.
The SRS report, released on September 3, provides annual estimates of birth rate, death rate and fertility indicators. Nationally, India has brought down infant mortality from 129 in 1971 and 40 in 2013 to the current 25. Yet, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh continue to report higher rates, touching 37, highlighting wide disparities.
In terms of broader demographic indicators for 2023, India recorded a birth rate of 18.4 per 1,000 population, a death rate of 6.4 per 1,000, and an IMR of 25. Chhattisgarh reported the highest death rate at 8.3, while Chandigarh had the lowest at 4.0.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George attributed her state’s success to sustained investments in maternal and child health, hospital quality upgrades, and community-driven interventions. Sixteen hospitals in Kerala have been awarded national quality certification, while six more were recognized under the Muskaan initiative promoting safe childbirth and neonatal care.
George said the progress has brought Kerala’s neonatal mortality rate below 4, comparable with developed countries. Despite the gains nationally, the report noted that one in every 40 infants in India still dies within the first year of life.
The SRS data also revealed that Andaman and Nicobar Islands reported the lowest birth rate at 10.1 per 1,000 population. Nationally, fertility has declined sharply over the past five decades, signaling major shifts in population growth patterns.