NEW DELHI (Saturday, March 28, 2026) — The Union Health Ministry announced today that India has achieved a historic 86% reduction in its Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) since 1990. This rate of decline is nearly double the global average of 48%, marking India as a top performer in maternal health among developing nations.
Data Discrepancy: Ministry vs. The Lancet
The Ministry’s statement comes as a reaction to a recent global analysis published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Women’s Health, which estimated India’s 2023 MMR at 116. Government officials, however, pointed to domestic data which suggests a more significant improvement.
| Data Source | 1990 MMR | 2023 MMR | % Reduction |
| Sample Registration System (SRS) | 556* | 88 | ~86% |
| The Lancet (IHME Study) | 508 | 116 | ~80% |
| Global Average | — | — | 48% |
*Historical SRS estimates for 1990 adjusted for comparison.
Key Drivers of India’s Success
Ministry sources attributed this “unprecedented” decline to several targeted healthcare interventions implemented over the last two decades.
- Institutional Deliveries: The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) have shifted childbirth from homes to facilities, ensuring professional medical oversight.
- Emergency Care: The expansion of Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) provides free, quality antenatal care on the 9th of every month to pregnant women.
- Infrastructure: Significant investment in First Referral Units (FRUs) and the “102/108” ambulance services has reduced the “Three Delays” (delay in seeking, reaching, and receiving care).
- Midwifery Initiative: The recent focus on creating a dedicated cadre of Nurse Practitioners in Midwifery (NPMs) is expected to further humanize and improve birth outcomes.
Road to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target is to reduce the global MMR to less than 70 per lakh live births by 2030.
- Current Standing: With an MMR of 88 (as per SRS 2021-23), India is well-positioned to meet the SDG target ahead of the 2030 deadline.
- Regional Performance: Several Indian states, including Kerala (19), Maharashtra (33), and Telangana (43), have already surpassed the SDG target of 70.
Sources
- Press Information Bureau (PIB): “India achieves landmark 86% reduction in Maternal Mortality since 1990” (March 28, 2026).
- Sample Registration System (SRS): Special Bulletin on Maternal Mortality in India 2021-23 (Published March 2026).
- The Lancet: “Global, regional, and national estimates of maternal mortality, 1990–2023” (Published March 2026).
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW): Annual Progress Report on Maternal Health (2025-26).
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