In a decade of progress, Telangana's IMR plummets by 52 per cent, public health milestone

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  Health and Fitness on Tue, Sep 09th, 2025 by Telangana Today

Telangana’s Remarkable 52 % Decline in Infant Mortality: A Decade‑Long Success Story

The state of Telangana has made headlines in 2025 for achieving a “public health milestone” that has resonated beyond its borders: a 52 % reduction in its Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) over the past decade. The figure, which is now one of the lowest in India, reflects a dramatic improvement in child survival, a triumph of public policy, community engagement, and a growing health‑care ecosystem. The story, as detailed in the Telangana Today article, is a case study in how a relatively new state can outpace older, better‑founded neighbours in a critical health metric.

The Numbers, Straight‑Up

According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Telangana’s IMR fell from 48.2 infants per 1,000 live births in 2012‑13 to 23.1 in 2023‑24. That is an almost half‑the‑population decline, or a 52 % reduction, which is more dramatic than the national average of a 48 % decline over the same period (from 54 to 29 per 1,000 live births). The article underscores that the state’s IMR is now ranked 4th among all Indian states, a sharp rise from 19th in 2012.

The Telangana Today piece also cites data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS‑5) and the District Level Household Survey (DLHS) to confirm that the decline was uniform across the state, although the rate was still slightly higher in the rural districts of Jagtial, Adilabad, and Mahabubnagar.

The Pillars of Progress

1. Strengthened Primary Health Infrastructure

The article points out that the expansion of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and the introduction of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centres in every district have provided a robust frontline. In 2020, Telangana launched the “Healthy Mother and Child” program, which saw a 70 % increase in the number of functional PHCs, and a 55 % rise in the ratio of doctors to population.

2. Immunisation Campaigns

A headline in the article is that Telangana’s coverage for BCG, DPT, and Polio vaccines climbed to over 95 % in 2024. The state’s Mission Indradhanush—a national immunisation programme—was intensified with local “Immunisation Ambassadors” who visited remote villages. The data shows that immunisation‑related deaths fell by 30 % over the decade.

3. Maternal Health Interventions

The article credits the “Arogya Shakti” maternal health scheme with a 42 % drop in neonatal deaths linked to maternal complications. The initiative provides free antenatal care, iron‑folate supplements, and emergency transport to hospitals. The state's maternal mortality ratio (MMR) also improved from 92 to 48 per 100,000 live births.

4. Nutrition and Feeding Practices

A dedicated focus on nutrition—particularly exclusive breastfeeding for six months—was promoted through Anganwadi workers and community “feeding circles.” The article notes that stunting among children under five fell from 26 % in 2012 to 14 % in 2023, a key contributor to lower infant mortality.

5. Digital Health and Data Tracking

Telangana’s adoption of the eSanjeevani digital health platform is highlighted as a game‑changer. The platform enabled real‑time monitoring of health indicators and helped pinpoint “hotspots” where mortality was still high, allowing rapid deployment of resources.

Community Mobilisation and Civil Society

The Telangana Today article spends several paragraphs on the role of civil society groups. Non‑governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Save the Children India and Pratham collaborated with the state to run “Health Awareness Weeks” that combined education, vaccinations, and nutrition counselling. The article also cites a 2019 World Bank partnership that helped fund 100 rural health posts, which now see a 45 % higher visit rate.

The Impact of COVID‑19

While the article celebrates the downward trend, it is careful to contextualise it amid the pandemic. The state’s COVID‑19 lockdowns in 2020 disrupted health services, yet the IMR did not spike. The piece explains that the government’s rapid shift to tele‑consultations and the “One‑Stop” COVID‑19 care centres preserved essential services. The article cites a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) that found no statistically significant rise in infant deaths during 2020–21, underscoring the resilience of Telangana’s health infrastructure.

Lessons for Other States

A central theme of the article is the notion that Telangana’s progress is a template for other emerging states. The piece lists a “Five‑Point Blueprint” that other states can adopt:

1. Invest in primary health care – expand PHCs and attach skilled staff.
2. Integrate digital health – use data for real‑time interventions.
3. Target nutrition and immunisation – focus on high‑coverage programs.
4. Strengthen maternal health services – reduce complications and deaths.
5. Leverage community partnerships – empower NGOs and local volunteers.

The article quotes Dr. Sunil Kumar, Telangana’s Health Secretary, who argues that the state’s experience shows “public health improvement is not a matter of luck but of strategic, data‑driven planning.”

Where It Goes From Here

While the milestone is celebrated, the article does not shy away from remaining challenges. Urban‑rural disparities remain the most pressing issue, with infant deaths still higher in districts like Mahabubnagar and Jagtial. The state’s health ministry is working on mobile health vans and specialised neonatal units to bridge this gap.

Additionally, the article references a forthcoming policy brief by the National Health Authority (NHA), which proposes a “Sustainable Infant Mortality Reduction Strategy” that would roll out a 5‑year plan focusing on preventive care, environmental health, and socio‑economic interventions.

In Closing

The Telangana Today article paints a picture of a state that has turned a health crisis into a success story. A 52 % reduction in IMR is not merely a statistic; it represents a collective effort that involved government agencies, healthcare workers, NGOs, and the community at large. The decline has improved the quality of life for millions of children, freed up resources for other development projects, and placed Telangana on the map as a model of public health transformation in India. The state’s journey is a reminder that even in a relatively short time, with targeted, data‑driven interventions, the most pressing health challenges can be met—and overcome.