Mumbai recorded the highest number of infant deaths at 22,364

Maharashtra recorded 1,17,136 infant deaths between 2017 and 2023. That is, an average of about 46 deaths per day. This shows an average of nearly 46 deaths per day.

Clinically, infant deaths are defined as the loss of a live-born child before their first birthday.

Data obtained by Hindustan Times through RTI shows that Mumbai recorded the highest number of infant deaths at 22,364.

Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Akola districts also recorded the significant number of infant deaths. The number of deaths decreased in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic but increased thereafter to 17,436 in 2023.

Mumbai, despite leading in terms of total deaths, showed a decline from 4,071 deaths in 2017 to 2,832 in 2023. The biggest decline was in 2020. Experts attribute this decline to improved tracking of high-risk pregnancies. However, Mumbai's healthcare system is under strain as a large number of critical referrals come from outside the city.

The primary causes of infant mortality encompass birth asphyxia, prematurity, infections, and low birth weight, frequently worsened by systemic deficiencies in healthcare.

"Nearly 40% of the child deaths reported in Mumbai are from babies referred from other districts, most of them in critical condition," said a senior BMC official.

In contrast, there has been a sharp increase in child deaths in neighbouring Thane. The district recorded 6,562 child deaths between 2017 and 2023. The number rose steadily from 750 deaths in 2017 to 1,380 in 2023.

According to local officials, the burden on Thane district has increased because Palghar does not have a district hospital from which to receive referrals.