Zero Maternal and Infant Mortality in Madhya Pradesh’s Panchayats: An Inspiring Success Story

Key Facts

Despite having one of the highest maternal mortality rates (142 per lakh) in the country, four Gram Panchayats of Madhya Pradesh have successfully achieved complete control over maternal and infant deaths, setting a remarkable example.

National Scenario: The Seriousness of the Challenge

Madhya Pradesh’s Status

Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): 142 per lakh live births (higher than the national average of 80)

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): 37 per 1,000 live births (higher than the national average of 25–26)

This situation is among the worst in India, raising concerns about the quality of healthcare services.

National Progress

India’s overall IMR reached 25 in 2023, showing an 80% reduction from 129 in 1971.

Maternal mortality rate has declined by 83% since 1990.

Strategies of the Successful Panchayats

Panchayats Achieving Zero Maternal Mortality

1. Dhakoni Panchayat, Ashoknagar

Population: 8,000

Achievement: Zero maternal deaths in 2 years

Strategies:

Special monitoring of high-risk pregnant women

100% registration and timely check-ups

Regular visits for anemic women

All deliveries conducted at institutional facilities

2. Garouli Bundelkhand, Chhatarpur

Special Feature: Continuous monitoring of every case by ASHA workers

Success Factors: 100% registration, timely treatment, and institutional deliveries

Panchayats Achieving Zero Infant Mortality

1. Ghanakodia, Chhindwara

Challenge: Hospital located 40 km away, rough roads

Solution: Community support ensured timely transport of pregnant women to hospitals

Innovation: Eliminated traditional superstitious healing practices, promoted scientific medical care

2. Badalpur, Betul

Strategy: Maintained a register of pregnant women with scheduled check-up dates

Responsibility: Family heads made accountable for ensuring medical check-ups

Follow-up: Regular postnatal check-ups and emphasis on child nutrition

Role of the National Health Mission (NHM)

Major Achievements (2021–24)

Appointment of 12 lakh additional healthcare workers

Establishment of 1.72 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

83% reduction in maternal mortality since 1990

Infant mortality reduced from 39 (2014) to 28 (2020)

Key Schemes

Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission

Key Factors Behind Success

Community Participation

Coordinated efforts among Sarpanch, ASHA, and ANM workers

Active involvement of Gram Sabha members

Systematic Monitoring

100% registration of pregnant women

Special care for high-risk cases

Regular health check-ups

Digital Health Platforms

Use of U-WIN platform for real-time vaccination tracking

Expansion of Mobile Medical Units

Future Goals and Challenges

Targets by 2030

Reduce maternal mortality to 40 per lakh

Reduce infant mortality to 10 per thousand

Key Challenges

Lack of healthcare facilities in rural areas

Shortage of trained health professionals

Inadequate infrastructure development

International Comparison and SDG Goals

India has shown remarkable progress under SDG Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being):

Maternal mortality reduced by 83%, compared to global average reduction of 42%

Infant mortality reduced by 69%, compared to global average reduction of 55%

Why This Matters for Your Exam Preparation

Relevance for UPSC Mains

GS Paper 2: Issues related to the health sector and social justice

Analytical Question Example:
“Evaluate the role of community participation in reducing maternal and infant mortality in India.”

Relevance for Prelims

Achievements of the National Health Mission

Components of Ayushman Bharat Scheme

Definitions and national averages of MMR and IMR

Relevance for Other Competitive Exams

In MPPSC, special importance of Madhya Pradesh’s health policies

In Central Civil Services, questions on rural development and health management

Key Takeaway

This example demonstrates that even with limited resources, determination and community collaboration can bring revolutionary improvements in healthcare. It highlights the strength of India’s decentralized governance system.