Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 11:The newborn mortality rate in the state has shown a significant decline, marking an encouraging development in the health sector. Improved medical facilities in rural areas have played a key role in this progress. Currently, 12 newborns per 1,000 live births die in the state, compared to over 16 earlier.

A review of data from the past three years indicates that the trend is promising. Most newborn deaths are attributed to premature birth, low birth weight, birth asphyxia, pneumonia, sepsis, congenital heart diseases, and neurological defects.

Multi-level, facility-based newborn care, community-based services, and enhanced training for healthcare staff have contributed substantially to reducing newborn mortality.

Establishment of newborn care units
Special newborn care units have been set up in nine taluk hospitals across the state. Stabilisation units have also been established in the remaining hospitals, allowing for better monitoring and treatment of newborns. As per Central government guidelines, hospitals recording 3,000 annual deliveries are required to have special newborn care units, and several such centres are now operational.

Slight increase this year
As per data from the last three years, there has been a slight rise this year compared to the previous year. In 2022–23, rural areas recorded 793 newborn deaths and urban areas 6,678, totalling 7,471 deaths. In 2023–24, rural areas saw 501 deaths and urban areas 5,133, totalling 5,634.

In 2024–25, rural areas reported 572 newborn deaths and urban areas 5,254, taking the total to 5,826, according to officials of the RCH programme under the health department.

Dakshina Kannada records lower newborn mortality
A three-year trend shows that Dakshina Kannada district has consistently reported lower newborn mortality compared to other districts in the state. In 2022–23, the district recorded 347 newborn deaths, while the number dropped to 234 in 2023–24 and stood at 264 in 2024–25. Mortality is significantly lower in rural areas and slightly higher in urban regions. Over the last three years, rural parts of the district reported 19 newborn deaths, while urban areas recorded 826.

Further reduction efforts on
There has been a substantial overall drop in newborn mortality across the state. Ongoing improvements in the healthcare sector are driving this progress, and efforts are underway to bring the numbers down even further, said state health minister Dinesh Gundurao.