Odisha Faces Public Health Crisis as Over 23,000 Newborns Die in Three Years

Bhubaneswar, Sept 22, — In a sobering revelation during the state Assembly session, Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling disclosed that the state has recorded 23,130 newborn deaths between 2022 and 2025.

The figures, presented as part of a public health accountability report, have sparked alarm among lawmakers and health experts.

Alongside the newborn fatalities, the state also witnessed 34,284 fetal deaths and 2,064 maternal deaths over the same period.

These numbers underscore systemic gaps in maternal and child healthcare, especially in tribal and remote regions where access to timely medical intervention remains limited.

Minister Mahaling acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured that the government is working to strengthen institutional delivery systems, improve prenatal care, and expand rural health outreach programs.

Public health advocates are calling for urgent reforms, including better infrastructure, increased staffing in primary health centres, and targeted awareness campaigns to reduce preventable deaths.

As Odisha grapples with these challenges, the data serves as a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritise maternal and child health in the state’s development agenda.