The sex ratio at birth improved from 919 in 2015-16 to 929 in 2019-20. (File)
New Delhi:
According to the results of the National Health and Family Survey-5, the number of women overtakes men for the first time in India with a sex ratio of 1,020:1,000.
“With this, we can say that India moves ahead in the group of developed countries – when the sex ratio crosses the 1000 threshold,” said a health ministry official. working to empower women such as financial inclusion and combating gender bias and disparity. .
The sex ratio at birth also improved from 919 in 2015-16 to 929 in 2019-20, showing the positive impact of measures such as the implementation of the PC and PNDT Act and many other interventions. other cards.
According to NFHS-3, implemented in 2005-06, the sex ratio was 1000:1000 and in 2015-16 (NHFS-4) it dropped to 991:1000.
On 24 November, Union Health Department released NFHS-5 (2019-21) results for India and 14 phase II states and union territories in the form of a dashboard of key indicators of health. population, child and reproductive health, family welfare, nutrition and other health-related fields.
The NFHS-5 findings for the 22 states and union territories covered in phase I were published in December 2020.
According to NFHS-5, 88.6% of births (in the five years prior to the survey) in the country were delivered in a medical facility. The significant increase since NFHS-4 (78.9%) is a proof that India is moving towards achieving universal mechanisms, officials said.
“The support of appropriately trained health workers working in an environment conducive to preventing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths is needed. official said.
Almost four-fifths (78%) of mothers received postpartum care (doctors/nurses/LHV/ANMs/midwives/other health workers) within two days of giving birth in this country , a significant increase compared with 62.4% in NFHS-4 .
This will reduce maternal and infant mortality rates across the country. The days and weeks after childbirth – the period after birth, is an important period in the lives of mothers and babies. Most maternal and neonatal deaths occur within the first month after birth. Therefore, it is recommended to receive postpartum care from medical personnel within the first 48 hours (2 days) after birth, the official said.
The survey results show that the total fertility rate (child per woman) of the whole country has reached the replacement fertility level, an important demographic milestone. India’s TFR for 2019-21 has reached 2.0 children per woman compared to 2.2 in 2015-16.
This means that women give birth less during their childbearing years than before. This also indicates better knowledge and use of family planning services, late marriage/cohabitation, etc., the ministry official said.
Birth registration (with civil authorities) for children under the age of 5 has increased from 79.7% (NFHS-4, 2015-16) to 89.1%.
In 41% of households, at least one normal member has health insurance/financial plan, up from 28.7% in the previous round. This indicates a greater reach and greater acceptance of the health insurance/funding scheme in India.
Health insurance provides coverage for medical expenses and prevents out-of-pocket expenses and catastrophic medical expenses, especially from disadvantaged households. It should be noted here that Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PMJAY) was not fully deployed in the country during the survey period and its relevance may not have been included in the data sheet, official said. This explains.
In addition, two-thirds (66.7%) of married 15-49 year olds in the country use any family planning method to delay or limit pregnancy under NFHS-5 compared with only 53.5% in NFHS-4.
“This is a significant increase since the last round. Contraceptive use prevents pregnancy-related health risks for women, especially for adolescent girls and Properly planned intervals between births prevent infant mortality,” the official said.
The unmet need for family planning among married 15-49 year olds in the country fell from 12.9% in 2015-16 to 9.4% in 2019-21.
According to the study results, more than three-quarters (76.4%) of children aged 12-23 months were fully immunized (with BCG, measles-containing vaccine (MCV)/MR/MMR/Measles, and 3 dose per polio vaccine). excluding polio vaccine given at birth and DPT vaccine or pentavalent vaccine) based on information from the mother’s immunization card or recall.
The survey showed that the nutritional status of children under 5 years of age has improved slightly throughout the country since the previous survey. However, targeted interventions are needed to address these domestic challenges.
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