Achieves Major Milestones in Maternal and Child Health

Itanagar, India Jul 31, 2026 ALN: has registered significant improvements in maternal and child healthcare over the past decade, with institutional deliveries nearing 90%, infant and child mortality declining substantially, and immunisation coverage more than doubling, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said on Thursday.

The chief minister highlighted the state’s health sector achievements in the past ten years of his government through a social media post. This announcement comes at a time when maternal and child health remains a critical focus area for governments worldwide, particularly in developing regions where healthcare access can be limited.

Sharing a video, Khandu said the state’s healthcare transformation was bringing tangible changes by ensuring safer motherhood, healthier newborns, and a better future for children. He emphasized the importance of these improvements, stating that the health of mothers and children is foundational to the overall prosperity of the community and the state.

“The real story of any change is not in hospitals, but in healthy lives,” the chief minister said in a post on X, describing improvements in maternal and child health indicators as one of the most meaningful outcomes of the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery. This perspective aligns with global health narratives that prioritize outcomes over mere access to healthcare facilities.

According to the figures shared by Khandu, institutional deliveries in have increased from 52.5% in 2016 to 89.2% now, reflecting a dramatic rise in safe childbirths at health facilities. This surge indicates a growing trust in healthcare institutions, which is crucial for reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. Institutional deliveries are often associated with better healthcare practices, including skilled attendance during birth and immediate postnatal care, which can significantly reduce complications during childbirth.

He said infant mortality has witnessed a sharp decline, with deaths among infants reducing from 22.9 to 12.9 per 1,000 live births. Neonatal mortality has also dropped from 11.8 to 7.7, while the under-five mortality rate has fallen from 32.9 to 18.8, indicating sustained improvements in child survival. These statistics reflect not only the effectiveness of healthcare interventions but also the broader social determinants of health, such as nutrition, education, and economic stability, which play a crucial role in child survival rates.

Khandu further said antenatal care coverage has improved considerably, with the proportion of pregnant women receiving antenatal check-ups increasing from 36.9% to 64.8%. Antenatal care is vital for monitoring the health of both mother and fetus, providing crucial screenings and vaccinations, and educating mothers about safe pregnancy practices. The increase in antenatal visits is a positive sign that more women are seeking and receiving the necessary medical attention during pregnancy.

The state has also made remarkable progress in immunisation, with complete vaccination coverage among children rising from 38.2% to 93%, the video said. Immunisation is a cornerstone of child health, protecting children from preventable diseases that can lead to severe health complications or death. The significant increase in vaccination rates can be attributed to improved healthcare outreach, community awareness programs, and enhanced access to vaccination services.

Highlighting another key social indicator, the chief minister said ’s sex ratio has improved from 958 females per 1,000 males to 1,018 females per 1,000 males. A balanced sex ratio is critical for societal stability and reflects changing attitudes towards gender equality. This improvement may indicate a shift in societal norms and better access to healthcare and education for girls, which can have long-term positive implications for the community.

“Because when the mother is safe, when the child is healthy, when every life gets a better start, only then does society change,” he said. This statement encapsulates the holistic approach that is necessary for sustainable development, where health is not just an individual concern but a communal responsibility that influences economic and social outcomes.

The chief minister’s remarks came amid the state government’s continued push to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and expand access to quality medical services. The emphasis on improving healthcare delivery systems is crucial, especially in regions where geographical barriers and resource constraints can hinder access to essential services.

Earlier this month, the state cabinet approved the CM CARES (Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Action for Resilient, Equitable & Healthy State) initiative as an umbrella programme to improve affordable healthcare, strengthen existing flagship schemes, intensify tuberculosis elimination efforts, and enhance financial protection for patients. This initiative reflects a comprehensive approach to health that seeks to address various health challenges simultaneously, ensuring that all citizens have access to the care they need without facing financial hardship.

The government has also been expanding specialised healthcare services through the Chief Minister Arogya Yojana (CMAAY), increasing financial assistance for organ transplants, and undertaking a multi-crore expansion of health infrastructure, including new medical colleges and specialised hospitals across the state. This investment in healthcare infrastructure is essential for building a robust healthcare system that can meet the needs of the population, particularly in underserved areas.

In summary, the advancements in maternal and child health in have been noteworthy over the past decade, as highlighted by Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The focus on institutional deliveries, antenatal care, immunisation, and the overall health of mothers and children reflects a broader commitment to improving health outcomes. These achievements not only signify progress in public health but also lay the groundwork for future socio-economic development. As the state continues to invest in healthcare infrastructure and services, it is poised to see further improvements in health indicators, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more equitable society.