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4 September 2026

Editorial: Newborn mortality in hospitals

The topic provides critical data on institutional delivery and neonatal care, directly addressing the performance of public health interventions and welfare schemes for vulnerable populations.

1 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • Institutional delivery rates in India increased from 39% in 2005-06 to 90% in 2023-24 (NFHS-6).
  • Absolute number of institutional deliveries rose from 109 lakh in 2005 to 194 lakh in 2024-25.
  • Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) admissions increased by 28% between 2021-22 and 2023-24.
  • Primary challenges in neonatal care include overcrowding, changing case mix (high-risk referrals), infrastructure failures, and infection risks.
  • The Gadchiroli model demonstrated that trained community health workers (CHWs) can provide effective home-based neonatal care (HBNC), reducing neonatal mortality by 62.2%.
  • India has trained approximately 8,00,000 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in HBNC modules.
  • Proposed strategy: Decongest neonatal units, strengthen HBNC for stable newborns, and mandate safety audits and fire suppression systems in neonatal facilities.

Questions

  1. The rapid increase in institutional deliveries has placed significant pressure on public health infrastructure. Discuss the challenges faced by Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) and the potential for community-based interventions to alleviate this burden. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. While institutional delivery is a cornerstone of maternal and child health policy, the recurring incidents of neonatal mortality in government hospitals highlight systemic gaps. Critically examine the need for a 'hospital plus home' model in neonatal care and the role of ASHAs in implementing such a strategy. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. The 'Gadchiroli model' is primarily associated with which of the following public health interventions?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-09-04/editorial-newborn-mortality-in-hospitals