Citing the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) Bulletin 2022–23 and findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), the Chief Minister said Assam has moved beyond its earlier status as one of India’s most lagging states in maternal health indicators. He added that the state is now contributing significantly to India’s overall health progress.
Addressing a public event, Sarma said, “The reduction from 480 to 84 is a historic achievement in Assam’s maternal mortality performance. The state’s current MMR is even better than the national average of 88. This reflects sustained investment in the health sector, expansion of healthcare infrastructure, and successful behavioral change initiatives focused on maternal health.”
He further recalled that when he assumed office as Health Minister in 2006, Assam had one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the country. At that time, the state’s MMR was approximately 480 per 100,000 live births, placing it far behind national standards and nearly 300 points above the national average.
According to Sarma, the latest SRS 2022–23 report shows that Assam has not only reduced its MMR to 84 but has also improved its ranking to 10th among Indian states. He highlighted that the state has now surpassed the national average by four points, positioning itself among better-performing regions in maternal health outcomes.
The Chief Minister attributed this improvement to consistent policy interventions, expansion of healthcare infrastructure, promotion of institutional deliveries, enhanced maternal and child healthcare services, increased health sector funding, and awareness campaigns aimed at pregnant women. He stated that these coordinated efforts have significantly strengthened Assam’s public healthcare system.
Sarma emphasized that Assam’s public health system is now regarded as one of the most efficient in the country. He asserted that the state is no longer categorized as a lagging region in healthcare but has established a distinct identity in India’s health and development trajectory. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to further strengthening the healthcare system to sustain and build upon the progress achieved over the past two decades.
The development marks a major milestone in Assam’s public health journey, reflecting long-term structural reforms and sustained focus on maternal and child health outcomes.
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