Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling presented deeply concerning statistics in the state Assembly, revealing that 23,130 newborns have died in the last three years.
The data, shared during a session on public health accountability, has raised serious questions about maternal and child healthcare infrastructure across the state.
According to the minister:
- 23,130 newborn deaths occurred between 2022 and 2025.
- 34,284 fetuses died in the womb during the same period.
- 2,064 pregnant women lost their lives due to complications or lack of timely medical intervention.
The figures have sparked widespread concern among legislators and public health experts, with calls for urgent reforms in prenatal care, institutional delivery systems, and rural health outreach.
Minister Mahaling acknowledged the challenges and assured that the government is working to strengthen maternal and child health programs, especially in tribal and remote districts where access to quality care remains limited.
