Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 2: Dakshina Kannada (DK) district has once again established itself as a model district in Karnataka in the field of maternal and child healthcare, recording a significant decline in the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR).
According to health department data, the district's IMR stood at just 8.5 during the period from April 2025 to March 2026, compared to the state average of 14 and the national average of 26.
IMR refers to the number of infants who die before reaching one year of age per 1,000 live births in a year. It is considered one of the key indicators used to assess the quality of a healthcare system. Officials attribute the decline in infant mortality to the district's overall progress in the healthcare sector.
As per first-trimester pregnancy registration data, 92 per cent of pregnant women in the district registered for Ante-Natal Care (ANC) within the first three months of pregnancy. This has enabled healthcare workers to monitor maternal health from an early stage.
A higher proportion of institutional deliveries has also contributed significantly to the reduction in infant mortality.
Of the 28,278 deliveries recorded in the district during 2025-26, as many as 79.2 per cent took place in government hospitals. The increase in safe deliveries has helped reduce neonatal deaths.
Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) and Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) at Lady Goschen Hospital and taluk hospitals have been strengthened. Immediate treatment for premature babies, low-birth-weight infants and critically ill newborns has also played a key role in reducing mortality.
Under the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, pregnant women are provided free delivery services, medicines, blood, transportation and neonatal care. This has enabled even economically weaker families to access quality healthcare services.
Under the Home Health Scheme, health workers visit homes to monitor the health of pregnant women and newborn babies. High-risk pregnancies are identified early and referred for specialised treatment.
During the one-year period from April 2025 to March 2026, a total of 24,107 deliveries were recorded in Dakshina Kannada district. Of these, 205 newborn deaths were reported.
In the Mangaluru region, 12,432 deliveries were recorded, with 122 infant deaths. Bantwal recorded 4,607 deliveries and 31 infant deaths, while Beltangady reported 2,396 deliveries and 18 infant deaths. In Puttur, 3,215 deliveries and 21 infant deaths were recorded, while Sullia reported 1,457 deliveries and 13 infant deaths, according to health department statistics.
Dakshina Kannada's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is also lower than the state average. During 2025-26, the district recorded an MMR of just 33.1, significantly lower than Karnataka's 58 and India's 88, the health department report stated.
A total of 24,107 deliveries were registered in the district during 2025-26, and eight maternal deaths were reported. Eight cases were recorded in the Mangaluru region, while one case each was reported from Belthangady and Puttur regions.
The major causes of infant mortality in the district include premature births, low birth weight, pneumonia and other infections, respiratory complications, congenital defects, and maternal health problems. Health officials note that timely medical intervention, improved neonatal care, and regular monitoring of high-risk pregnancies are essential to reducing deaths caused by these factors.
"Dakshina Kannada has witnessed a decline in both infant and maternal mortality rates due to improvements in healthcare infrastructure and services across the district. The Health Department is also implementing several measures in this regard," said Dr Thimmayya H R, district health officer, Dakshina Kannada.