Infant deaths in Trichy lowest in four years, but MMR still high

Trichy: Infant deaths in Trichy district have dropped to their lowest level in four years, offering a bright spot. But stagnant maternal mortality figures and persistently high teenage pregnancies cast a shadow over the gains in the district’s public health indicators.Going by the district health department data, the infant mortality rate (IMR) in the district fell to 9.5 per 1,000 live births in 2025–26 (up to March 2026). A total of 293 infant deaths were reported out of 30,930 live births during the period. District health officer T Manivanan attributed the decline to improved monitoring and follow-up systems.“Various factors play a part and it cannot be just one. Proper follow-up, monitoring, focus on improving maternal health, and initiatives like home-based newborn care and home-based care for young children programmes have helped,” he told TOI.However, maternal mortality has shown no improvement. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) remained at 45.3 per one lakh live births in 2025–26, with 14 maternal deaths reported — the same as in 2024–25.“There have been no maternal deaths in the past three months. All facilities have been sensitised. More deaths this year were reported in private hospitals than in government facilities,” a district health official said.Earlier this year as reported by TOI, a private hospital came under scrutiny for alleged medical negligence after reporting two maternal deaths in 2025 along with several in previous years. Following an inquiry, the district administration barred the hospital from conducting inpatient admissions for one month.Maternal deaths had peaked at 22 in 2023–24. In response, the district administration established a dedicated war room at the collectorate to monitor high-risk pregnancies. Officials said the war room makes nearly 300 calls daily to track high-risk pregnant women. From the 35th week of pregnancy, regular follow-ups are carried out to ensure women continue consultations with healthcare providers. Weekly monitoring continues until around 10 days before the expected delivery date, after which women are advised to get admitted to nearby healthcare facilities. High-risk pregnancies are categorised under orange or red alerts and monitored closely for anaemia, nutrition, and other complications.Teenage pregnancy remains an area of concern as cases recorded in the district are among the highest in the state. The district recorded 1,071 teenage pregnancies till March this year, compared to 1,234 cases in 2024–25.“It’s largely a social issue involving things like child marriage. Around 35% accounts for illegal teenage pregnancies below 18 years. Health data does not segregate age because pregnancy at 19 is also considered medically risky, though legal,” Manivanan added.Various studies have noted that adolescent mothers aged 10–19 face significantly higher risks of pregnancy-related complications such as eclampsia, infections, and post-delivery complications. Their babies are also more vulnerable to low birth weight, preterm births, and severe neonatal conditions.