Institutional Deliveries in India: A Pathway to Reducing Maternal and Neonatal Mortality

Institutional deliveries are pivotal in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by ensuring skilled attendance and access to emergency obstetric care.This study investigates trends in institutional deliveries across public and private healthcare sectors in India, utilizing data from the National Family Health Survey rounds 4 (2015-2016) and 5 (2019-2021).The findings reveal a significant increase in institutional delivery rates over two decades, driven by policy interventions such as the Janani Suraksha Yojana and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram.However, disparities persist across regions, socioeconomic groups, and the urban-rural divides, with northern and eastern states lagging behind.The analysis establishes a correlation between higher institutional delivery rates and reduced maternal/neonatal mortality, emphasizing the need for equitable healthcare access.Recommendations include strengthening public health infrastructure, promoting awareness, enhancing financial accessibility, and implementing region-specific strategies.These measures aim to bridge existing gaps and advance progress toward the sustainable development goals related to maternal and child health.The study underscores the critical role of collaborative efforts in achieving universal institutional delivery coverage and improving overall public health outcomes.