Chennai, May 31: Tamil Nadu has emerged as one of the top-performing states in India regarding maternal and child health care. Almost every child in the state is now born in a medical institution. The state has made significant progress in overcoming many of its longstanding public health challenges. However, rising obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases are becoming a growing concern.
According to the sixth round of the National Family Health Survey, institutional deliveries in Tamil Nadu have reached an impressive 99.7 percent, significantly higher than the national average of 90.6 percent. In rural areas, the rate stands at 99.6 percent, while urban areas report 99.8 percent. Despite these achievements, the survey highlights increasing concerns regarding certain health issues.
Tamil Nadu is one of the states with the highest obesity rates in the country. Approximately 44.2 percent of women aged 15-49 are classified as overweight or obese. This figure has risen from 40.5 percent in the previous survey and is well above the national average of 30.7 percent. In urban areas, nearly one in two women falls into this category. Among men, 38.8 percent are overweight or obese, compared to the national average of 27.3 percent.
The rising incidence of diabetes also contributes to these issues. The state reports that about 25.2 percent of women and 26.7 percent of men have high or very high blood sugar levels, both exceeding national averages.
Public health experts warn that these statistics could lead to an increase in hospital admissions, rising healthcare costs, and a higher burden of premature deaths in the coming years. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization, emphasized the need to strengthen primary healthcare systems. She highlighted the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and timely interventions, stating that preventing diseases before they become severe should be a top priority.
The survey also points to rising rates of gestational diabetes and pregnancy-induced hypertension, leading to an increase in cesarean deliveries. Currently, approximately 46.9 percent of deliveries in Tamil Nadu are via cesarean section, compared to the national average of 27.2 percent. The number of surgical deliveries in government hospitals has increased. Health experts believe that timely interventions have played a crucial role in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. However, they express concern over the decline in prenatal care.
Early registration during the first trimester of pregnancy has dropped from 77.4 percent to 71.2 percent, while the proportion of women completing at least four prenatal check-ups has decreased from 90.6 percent to 87.6 percent. Although most women eventually reach the hospital for childbirth, health experts warn that delays in prenatal care can have long-term adverse effects on both maternal and child health.
These findings indicate that Tamil Nadu’s next public health challenge will not be improving access to healthcare services, but rather addressing the rising prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases and ensuring that women receive timely and appropriate care during pregnancy.
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