Haryana matches national Infant Mortality rate, outpaces Punjab in 5-yrs improvement: Govt
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, June 6, 2026: Haryana has achieved a significant milestone in child healthcare, bringing its Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) down to the national average of 24 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2024.
Sharing the details, Sumita Misra said the state has recorded a nearly 14 per cent decline in IMR over the past five years, reducing the rate from 28 to 24. During the same period, Punjab's IMR improved from 18 to 16, reflecting an 11 per cent decline.
Dr. Misra said the achievement highlights the effectiveness of Haryana's sustained investments in maternal and child healthcare infrastructure, particularly given the challenges associated with serving a large and densely populated state.
"Haryana has steadily improved key health indicators through focused interventions in maternal and newborn care. Reaching the national average in infant mortality is a major public health achievement," she said.
Health officials attributed the improvement to a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening neonatal and child healthcare services. These include the expansion of Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs), Newborn Stabilisation Units (NBSUs), Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres, Newborn Baby Care Corners, Kangaroo Mother Care facilities, Hybrid HDU-ICU units, Comprehensive Lactation Management Centres and Home-Based Newborn Care services.
Officials noted that Haryana's performance compares favourably with several larger states where infant mortality remains considerably higher. States such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh continue to report IMRs of around 35, while Chhattisgarh's rate stands at approximately 36 deaths per 1,000 live births.
The state government is now focusing on further strengthening antenatal care, institutional deliveries and neonatal intensive care services. Plans are also underway to establish additional SNCUs, NBSUs, Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres and Lactation Management Units across the state, while existing facilities are being upgraded into integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Units.
Over the last decade, Haryana has reduced its Infant Mortality Rate from 41 to 24 per 1,000 live births, a decline that officials describe as evidence of sustained improvements in healthcare access and public health delivery.
Dr. Misra expressed confidence that continued investment in maternal and child health programmes would help the state achieve further reductions in infant mortality and improve survival outcomes for newborns in the years ahead.