Maternal and Child Health Services Strengthen in Rohtak; District Outperforms State Average in Several Health Indicators: DC Sachin Gupta

Rohtak, March 13, 2026: Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the district Health Department to assess the progress of major public health programmes and to further strengthen healthcare services across the district.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated the efforts of the district health team for maintaining several key health indicators significantly better than the Haryana averages, reflecting improvements in maternal and child healthcare services.

According to the data presented in the meeting, the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) in Rohtak stands at about 9.6 compared to the Haryana average of 19, while the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is around 16.7 compared to the state average of 26. Similarly, the Under-5 Mortality Rate is about 18.6 against the Haryana average of 30, indicating steady improvements in healthcare delivery and maternal-child care systems in the district.

The district recorded 238 child deaths between April 2025 and January 2026, and the Deputy Commissioner directed officials to conduct detailed case analysis to identify causes and strengthen preventive interventions aimed at further reducing infant and child mortality.

DC Sachin Gupta directed health officials to ensure that in all institutional delivery cases, both the newborn and the mother remain under observation at health facilities for at least 48 hours, so that any complications can be detected and treated in time.

The review highlighted encouraging progress in maternal health services across the district.

• ANC registration coverage has reached around 99 percent.
• Early ANC registration stands at about 92 percent.
• Institutional deliveries account for nearly 96 percent of total births in the district.

However, the Deputy Commissioner expressed concern that around 15 percent of newborns are born with low birth weight, and directed officials to strengthen maternal nutrition monitoring and antenatal care.

It was also noted that about 39 percent of women are discharged before completing the recommended 48-hour post-delivery observation period, and the Deputy Commissioner instructed health facilities to strictly follow post-delivery monitoring guidelines.

Officials informed that high-risk pregnancies account for nearly 18 percent of registered cases, reflecting improved screening systems. The Deputy Commissioner directed that all high-risk pregnancies must be closely monitored through block-wise tracking and regular follow-ups by ANMs and ASHA workers to ensure safe deliveries.

Special Immunization Week from March 16–21

The Deputy Commissioner informed that Special Immunization Week will be observed in the district from March 16 to March 21, aimed at ensuring that no eligible child remains unvaccinated.

The district has already achieved around 95 percent immunization coverage, and health teams have been directed to identify remaining defaulters and ensure complete immunization coverage.

The meeting also reviewed progress under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD). Officials informed that over 4.62 lakh people aged 30 years and above have been enrolled on the NCD portal, exceeding the district’s target population coverage. About 3.72 lakh people have already been screened for hypertension, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. Among those diagnosed, more than 27,500 patients with hypertension are under treatment. Over 22,000 patients with diabetes are receiving treatment.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the health department to strengthen follow-up mechanisms so that all diagnosed patients receive continuous treatment and monitoring. Under cancer screening programmes, more than 3.5 lakh people have been screened for oral cancer. Over 1.69 lakh women have been screened for breast cancer. However, cervical cancer screening coverage remains comparatively lower, and the Deputy Commissioner directed officials to organize special screening camps for women to expand coverage.

Reviewing vector-borne disease management, officials informed that the district recorded 205 dengue cases during 2025, which is slightly lower than the previous year. The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to start preventive vector control measures before the monsoon season, including identification of high-risk areas, intensified surveillance and public awareness campaigns to prevent dengue and malaria.

The meeting also reviewed emergency medical response services under the 112 ambulance system. Officials informed that 21 ambulances are currently operational in the district, including:

• 2 Advanced Life Support ambulances
• 9 Basic Life Support ambulances
• 8 Patient Transport Ambulances
• 2 Kilkari ambulances

The average response time has improved to around 10 minutes, reflecting improved emergency response services. Healthcare services are also being extended to rural areas through Health on Wheels mobile diagnostic vans. Three mobile medical units are currently operational covering Kalanaur, Lakhanmajra and Sampla areas, providing facilities such as blood tests, sugar tests, urine tests, X-ray, ECG, NCD screening, OPD consultation and counselling services.

Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta informed that TB-Free Week will be observed in the district from March 22 to March 28 in connection with World TB Day on March 24, under the National TB Elimination Programme.

During the week, awareness programmes will be conducted across the district, and 25 Gram Panchayats will be honoured as TB-free Panchayats for their achievements in TB control and awareness.

Concluding the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner said the district administration will focus on three priority initiatives to further strengthen health outcomes:

• Safe Motherhood Mission – monitoring high-risk pregnancies and ensuring safe deliveries
• First 1000 Days Nutrition Programme – improving maternal nutrition and reducing low birth weight
• Healthy Rohtak Initiative – strengthening early detection and long-term management of lifestyle diseases

Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta said, “Rohtak has made encouraging progress in several health indicators compared to the state averages. Our focus now is to further strengthen maternal health, nutrition, disease prevention and early detection programmes so that every citizen of the district has access to quality healthcare services.”

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Narendra Kumar, City Magistrate Ankit Kumar, Civil Surgeon Dr. Ramesh Chandra and other senior officials of the health department.