Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated that Arunachal Pradesh has seen impressive progress in a number of important healthcare metrics in recent years, underscoring the state’s increasing emphasis on maternal and child health. On the social media platform X, Khandu posted data showing that the state’s infant mortality rate (IMR) has dropped from 22.9 per 1,000 live births in 2016 to 12.9 in 2021, marking a significant public health milestone. In a similar vein, the neonatal mortality rate decreased from 11.8 in 2016 to 7.7 in 2021, indicating better newborn care.
This increase is a result of improved access to hospitals and skilled medical personnel during labor. This pattern is seen as a crucial sign of the efficacy of maternal health services. Additionally, the state has made strides in combating undernourishment in children. Since 2016, the proportion of underweight children (ages 0–6) has dropped by 4%, demonstrating the effectiveness of dietary and medical interventions.
Furthermore, basic immunization coverage increased from just over 50% in 2019–2021 to 77.5% in 2024. “Every milestone demonstrates our dedication to a healthier Arunachal,” Chief Minister Khandu stated, crediting the advancements to concerted efforts by government agencies, medical professionals, and community members. The statistics coincide with Arunachal Pradesh’s ongoing investments in frontline worker capacity-building, rural healthcare facilities, and outreach initiatives to raise knowledge of nutrition, immunization, and prenatal care.
