Institutional Deliveries Rise Sharply in India; NSO Survey Highlights Improved Maternal Healthcare Access.
New Delhi:
Institutional deliveries in India have witnessed a significant rise over the past several years, reflecting sustained efforts by the government to strengthen maternal healthcare services and promote safe motherhood, according to the latest survey by the (NSO).
The survey data shows that in rural areas, institutional deliveries increased from 90.5% in 2017–18 to 95.6% in 2025. Urban areas also recorded an improvement, with institutional deliveries rising from 96.1% to 97.8% during the same period.
This steady progress has been attributed to a range of government initiatives aimed at improving access to quality maternal healthcare. Key schemes contributing to this growth include the (JSY), (JSSK), and (PMSMA), along with strengthened quality assurance mechanisms across public health facilities.
The survey further highlights the critical role of government health institutions in maternal care. Nearly two-thirds (66.8%) of deliveries in rural areas are now taking place in government health facilities, while in urban areas, the figure stands at 47%, indicating substantial reliance on public healthcare systems.
In addition to maternal health improvements, the NSO survey points to a growing preference for public healthcare facilities among the population. Utilisation of public health services for outpatient care in rural areas has increased from 28% in 2014 to 35% in 2025, reflecting improved trust and accessibility.
The findings underscore a broader trend of strengthening public healthcare infrastructure and delivery systems, with a focus on affordability and inclusivity. According to the survey, these developments reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable, accessible, and quality healthcare services for all citizens.
