By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 30: Meghalaya has recorded encouraging progress in maternal healthcare, with 65% of births now taking place in health facilities, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), 2023–24. The latest figures point to steady improvement in access to safe childbirth services across the state.
The share of births in public health facilities rose to 55.7%, up from 49.1% recorded in NFHS-5 (2019–21), indicating greater utilisation of government services. Institutional deliveries in urban areas reached 84%, while rural areas posted a solid 63.3%, underscoring expanding coverage beyond urban centres.
Skilled health personnel attended 70% of deliveries statewide, a sign that more mothers are receiving professional care during labour and delivery. Health officials say increased outreach, strengthened primary health centres, and targeted maternal health programmes have helped raise awareness and trust in facility-based care.
The survey also shows a decline in overall caesarean-section rates, from 8.2% in NFHS-5 to 6.4% in NFHS-6, reflecting more conservative use of the procedure where not medically necessary. C-section rates remain higher in urban settings (17.7%) compared with rural areas (4.9%). The data show a marked difference by facility type: 36.2% of deliveries in private health facilities were by C-section, while public facilities reported a 5% rate.
Health experts welcomed the increase in institutional deliveries and skilled attendance as key milestones for maternal and child health in Meghalaya. They also urged continued monitoring and clinical oversight to ensure that caesarean sections are performed only when medically indicated, and to address the urban–rural and public–private disparities highlighted by the survey.
Local health administrators said the state will build on these gains by expanding community outreach, improving referral systems, and investing in training for frontline health workers. Officials emphasised that sustained focus on quality of care, timely referrals, and maternal nutrition will be critical to further reduce maternal and newborn risks.
With rising institutional deliveries and strengthened health-system support, Meghalaya appears to be on a positive trajectory in maternal and newborn care—benefiting mothers and families across the state.
