Mumbai Sees Sharp Drop In Infant, Neonatal And Maternal Deaths

Mumbai has witnessed a significant decline in infant, neonatal and maternal mortality over the past three years, despite a steady rise in its population.

The city's estimated population increased from 1.29 crore in 2022 to 1.31 crore in 2025. However, key mortality indicators have improved considerably during the same period, reflecting gains in public health outcomes.

While the total number of deaths in the city remained largely stable, increasing marginally from 94,553 in 2022 to a provisional 95,780 in 2025, deaths among newborns, infants and mothers recorded a substantial decline.

The most notable improvement was seen in neonatal deaths, which refer to deaths occurring within the first 28 days of life. These deaths fell from 1,846 in 2022 to 1,148 in 2025, registering a decline of nearly 38 per cent.

Infant deaths, which include deaths of children below one year of age, also declined significantly from 2,962 in 2022 to 2,069 in 2025, a reduction of nearly 30 per cent.

Similarly, deaths among children below five years of age dropped from 3,566 in 2022 to 3,142 in 2025. Maternal deaths, referring to women who die during pregnancy, childbirth or within 42 days of delivery due to pregnancy-related causes, declined from 92 in 2022 to 74 in 2025.

Although maternal deaths increased slightly from 70 cases reported in 2024, the overall trend over the four-year period remains encouraging. Health experts attribute the decline to improved institutional deliveries, better antenatal and postnatal care, enhanced immunisation coverage, early identification of high-risk pregnancies and strengthening of neonatal intensive care services across civic hospitals.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has implemented various maternal and child health interventions, which have contributed to the improvement in health outcomes. Increased health awareness and better access to healthcare facilities have also played a crucial role in the decline of infant, neonatal and maternal mortality.

The data available with the BMC's health department highlights the improvement in key mortality indicators. The estimated population of Mumbai increased from 1,29,67,996 in 2022 to 1,31,07,175 in 2025. The total deaths in the city increased marginally from 94,553 in 2022 to 95,780 in 2025.

However, the decline in neonatal, infant, under-five and maternal deaths is a significant achievement. The number of neonatal deaths decreased from 1,846 in 2022 to 1,148 in 2025, while infant deaths decreased from 2,962 in 2022 to 2,069 in 2025. Under-five deaths decreased from 3,566 in 2022 to 3,142 in 2025, and maternal deaths decreased from 92 in 2022 to 74 in 2025.

The decline in infant, neonatal and maternal mortality is a positive trend for Mumbai, indicating improved healthcare outcomes. The city's efforts to strengthen its healthcare system and improve access to healthcare facilities have yielded results.

The improvement in health outcomes is a significant achievement for Mumbai, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the city's population. With continued efforts to improve healthcare facilities and awareness, Mumbai can further reduce infant, neonatal and maternal mortality rates.