New Delhi, May 30: India has achieved a significant milestone in maternal and child healthcare, with more than 90 per cent of births now taking place in hospitals and healthcare facilities, according to the latest findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6).
The survey reveals that institutional deliveries increased from 88.6 per cent to 90.6 per cent, while births attended by trained health professionals such as doctors, nurses, and midwives rose from 89.4 per cent to 91.3 per cent. These improvements highlight growing access to safer childbirth services across the country.
The report also shows notable progress in antenatal care. Nearly 96 per cent of pregnant women now receive antenatal care services, while the number of women receiving medical care during the first trimester increased from 70 per cent to 76.2 per cent. Pregnant women completing at least four antenatal check-ups rose from 58.5 per cent to 65.2 per cent.
Postnatal care has improved as well, with 85.3 per cent of newborns receiving medical attention from skilled health personnel within two days of birth, up from 79.1 per cent in the previous survey.
Maternal nutrition indicators recorded substantial gains. The percentage of women consuming iron and folic acid supplements for 100 days or more increased from 44.1 per cent to 54.9 per cent, while those taking supplements for at least 180 days rose from 26 per cent to 37.8 per cent.
Breastfeeding practices also showed improvement. Early breastfeeding within one hour of birth increased from 41.8 per cent to 50.1 per cent. Additionally, 95.6 per cent of infants under six months are now exclusively breastfed.
One of the most encouraging findings relates to child nutrition. Stunting among children under five years declined significantly from 35.5 per cent to 29.3 per cent, indicating better long-term nutritional outcomes. Severe wasting also dropped from 7.7 per cent to 5.2 per cent.
The survey further noted that children aged six to eight months receiving complementary foods along with breast milk increased from 45.9 per cent to 59.5 per cent, reflecting improved infant feeding practices.
The Ministry of Health attributed these improvements to several government initiatives, including Janani Suraksha Yojana, Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, SUMAN, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, POSHAN Abhiyaan, and POSHAN 2.0.
While challenges remain in ensuring equal access to healthcare across all regions, the NFHS-6 findings suggest that India’s healthcare system is making steady progress in reducing maternal and child health risks and improving nutrition outcomes nationwide.