Coimbatore recorded lowest infant mortality rate in 2024-25 in Tamil Nadu: Health department

Coimbatore: Coimbatore district has recorded the lowest infant mortality rate (IMR) in the state and achieved third place in the distribution of benefits under the Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme (Dr MLRMBS) in the 2024-25 financial year. The city corporation has made a significant improvement compared to rural areas.

This was revealed during a health department review meeting held on May 10.

Tirupur, Nilgiris, Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts have also shown some significant improvement in IMR, maternal mortality rate (MMR) and the maternity benefit scheme.

While the IMR of Coimbatore district stood at 5.5 per 1,000 live births, the corporation recorded 3.9 per 1,000 live births. The district recorded IMR at 10.2 in 2022-23, 7.5 in 2023-24, and 5.5 in 2024-25.

The district achieved 95.5% of the total target set for the distribution of benefits under the Dr MLRBS. The city corporation has achieved almost 99.9% of the distribution target.

City health officer A Mohan said, "The target for 2024-25 was approximately 8.13 crore, of which nearly 8.12 were dispersed. The target for the current year is 29 crore for the district, and 12.9 crore for the city corporation."

Despite staff shortage, the city corporation is performing well in all health indicators. "We have already achieved nearly 7% of the target under the Dr MLRMBS," he added.