India continues to face significant child health and development challenges, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated efforts from healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities. The Children in India 2025 report by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation reveals that prematurity and low birth weight remain the leading causes of neonatal deaths, accounting for 48% of mortality within the first 29 days of life. Birth asphyxia and trauma during delivery contribute to 16% of neonatal deaths, while pneumonia accounts for 9%.
These figures point to persistent gaps in maternal and neonatal care. Strengthening antenatal services, ensuring skilled birth attendance, improving delivery room readiness, and equipping neonatal units with proper resuscitation and infection-control measures are essential. Physicians can advocate for robust perinatal protocols, early…
