E-Paper
517 child deaths reported in Pune in 11 Months
The year before, from April 2023 to March 2024, the number was even higher — 792 deaths. In total, 1,309 children in the 0–5 age group have died in just two years, as per the records of the PMC’s city family welfare bureau
According to data from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), 517 children under the age of five were reported dead between April 2024 and February 2025.
The year before, from April 2023 to March 2024, the number was even higher — 792 deaths. In total, 1,309 children in the 0–5 age group have died in just two years, as per the records of the PMC’s city family welfare bureau.
Furthermore, the report stated that the PMC had reported fewer deaths in earlier years — 194 child deaths in 2022-2023 and 370 in 2021-2022. The PMC has attributed the rise to more precise and thorough reporting.
PMC health officials claim that poor prenatal and postnatal care, malnutrition, infectious diseases, pre-term birth complications, birth asphyxia, and lack of timely medical support are among the main causes. However, they add that lifesaving interventions like skilled delivery at birth, quality postnatal care, breastfeeding, adequate nutrition, timely vaccinations, and treatment for common childhood diseases could prevent many of these deaths.
Dr Rajesh Dighe, assistant health chief of PMC, said the surge in reported deaths is largely due to improved reporting.
“Initially, the PMC was dependent on figures and information provided by hospitals. However, for the past two years, ward medical officers have been personally visiting hospitals and collecting information about deaths in children aged up to five years,” he said.
Prashant Udavant, senior paediatrician, Ruby Hall Clinic, said the increased population migration and people from various districts like Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Nashik and Ahmadnagar for good medical facilities come to Pune for treatment is the reason behind the large number of child deaths.
“Preterm birth, pneumonia, infection and diarrhoea are among the known common reasons behind deaths in children. Many migrant populations don’t complete even their primary immunisation, and vaccination is an important step,” he said.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra has recorded a decline in child mortality, with the rate dropping to 16 deaths per 1,000 live births. The state’s neonatal mortality rate stands at 11 per 1,000 live births, achieving the sustainable development goal (SDG) 2030 target of below 12 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Dr Dighe further informed that Pune city has tertiary care hospitals like Sassoon General Hospital, Ruby Hall Clinic, Jehangir Hospital, KEM Hospital, and Bharati Hospital, among others, where patients from various districts come for treatment.
“Most of the cases admitted to these hospitals are complex or serious, with a higher risk of mortality. All such deaths reported in these hospitals are recorded by the PMC,” he added.
