Rayagada, June 13: Concerns are mounting over the rising child mortality rate in Odisha’s tribal-dominated Rayagada district, with health experts and social activists alleging that inadequate healthcare services, malnutrition, and recurring disease outbreaks continue to claim the lives of hundreds of children every year.
Despite various government initiatives, the district has reportedly struggled to overcome the impact of diseases such as malaria, cholera, dengue, and diphtheria. The situation has become increasingly alarming as many children continue to die from preventable illnesses and nutrition-related complications.
According to official data, nearly 48 children per 1,000 births die due to various causes in the district. Reports indicate that around 3,500 child deaths have been recorded in Rayagada over the last five years.
The alarming figures have raised questions about the effectiveness of healthcare services, including mobile medical units and nutrition programmes intended for children and pregnant women in remote areas. Experts point to maternal anaemia, pre-delivery complications, low birth weight, and inadequate access to quality healthcare as some of the major reasons behind the high mortality rate.
Healthcare specialists say that facilities for safe deliveries are largely limited to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) and Sub-Divisional Hospitals (SDHs), while many peripheral health centres lack adequate infrastructure and specialised care.
Social activist Sudarshan Padhi expressed concern over the situation, while gynaecologist Dr. Dushyam Das highlighted the need for improved maternal healthcare and nutrition support to reduce infant deaths.
The issue of malnutrition has also emerged as a significant concern. Residents have alleged that children and pregnant women in several rural pockets are not receiving nutritious food on a regular basis, further aggravating health risks.
Health department records reveal that in 2021-22, Rayagada registered 22,270 births, of which 686 children died. In 2022-23, 661 deaths were reported among 19,982 births. The district recorded 675 child deaths in 2023-24, 674 deaths in 2024-25, and 755 deaths among 15,976 births in 2025-26.
With child mortality showing an upward trend, local MLA Appalaswamy Kadraka has called for urgent intervention and stronger healthcare measures to curb the deaths.
Experts believe that strengthening healthcare delivery in rural and remote areas, improving maternal and child nutrition, and ensuring timely medical intervention will be crucial in reducing child mortality and improving public health outcomes in Rayagada district.
