New Delhi: India continues to show gradual progress in demographic and public health indicators, with the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) 2024 data released by the Office of the Registrar General of India indicating a trend towards smaller families, improved healthcare access and lower infant mortality rates across the country.
The data showed that birth rates have continued to decline nationally, reflecting changing family patterns and socio-economic trends. At the same time, death rates have remained relatively stable, suggesting improvements in healthcare systems and living conditions.
Among the most significant developments highlighted in the report is the decline in infant mortality, with the number of deaths among children below one year of age showing substantial reduction over the past decade.
Infant mortality records significant decline
According to the latest figures, India’s infant mortality rate has decreased from 37 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2015 to 24 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024.
The reduction reflects progress in maternal and child healthcare measures implemented over the years.
Earlier observations by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had also indicated substantial improvements in child health indicators.
Government data had noted that between 1990 and 2020, infant mortality in India reduced by nearly 69 per cent, performing better than the global average decline of 58 per cent.
Health experts have associated these improvements with expanded vaccination programmes, increased institutional deliveries, nutritional initiatives and broader access to healthcare services.
Rural and urban regions show different trends
The report indicated differences between urban and rural areas in birth and mortality indicators.
Birth rates in rural India declined from 22.4 to 20.2 between 2015 and 2024, while urban birth rates fell from 17.3 to 14.7 during the same period.
Similarly, rural death rates decreased from 7.1 in 2015 to 6.8 in 2024.
Urban death rates remained comparatively lower and recorded only minor changes, moving from 5.4 to 5.6 during the decade.
However, both urban and rural regions experienced a temporary increase in mortality figures during 2021, corresponding with the period of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rural India records faster progress in child health
Although urban areas continue to perform better across several health indicators, rural regions have demonstrated faster improvements in reducing infant deaths.
Data showed that urban infant mortality declined from 25 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2015 to 17 in 2024.
Meanwhile, rural India recorded a larger decline, with the figure reducing from 41 to 27 during the same period.
Health experts attribute the improvement to the expansion of primary healthcare centres, immunisation campaigns, maternal healthcare schemes and greater awareness regarding healthcare access.
Challenges remain despite progress
Despite improvements, officials noted that certain healthcare goals remain to be achieved.
The National Health Policy aims to bring infant mortality rates into single digits, and current figures indicate that further efforts may still be required, particularly in rural areas.
Experts note that sustaining improvements in maternal healthcare, nutrition, sanitation and healthcare infrastructure will remain important in maintaining progress in future years.
The latest SRS data suggests that while demographic and health indicators continue moving in a positive direction, consistent policy efforts and healthcare interventions may be necessary to sustain long-term gains.