The Union Health Ministry released the National Family Health Survey–6 (NFHS-6), revealing India’s accelerated progress in maternal and child health, nutrition, and healthcare access.
The survey, conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with IIPS Mumbai, covered 6.79 lakh households across 715 districts. Institutional deliveries reached 90.6%, while antenatal care coverage rose from 92.6% to 95.9%. Mothers receiving four or more ANC visits increased from 58.5% to 65.2%, and those consuming iron folic acid supplements for 180 days or more rose from 26% to 37.8%.
Child immunization improved significantly. Full vaccination coverage among children aged 12–23 months increased from 83.8% to 87.1%. Rotavirus vaccination coverage more than doubled from 36.4% to 85.4%. Nearly 95.6% of children received vaccinations through public health facilities, reaffirming trust in India’s healthcare system.
Child nutrition indicators showed strong improvement. Stunting among children under five declined by 17%, and severe wasting dropped by 32%. Breastfeeding within one hour of birth increased from 41.8% to 50.1%.
Health insurance coverage expanded from 41% to 60.2%, driven by Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY and other protection schemes. Women’s empowerment also advanced, with 89% owning bank accounts and 64.3% using the internet.
NFHS-6 underscores India’s steady progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals through strengthened primary healthcare, nutrition programs, and inclusive growth.
