(This story originally appeared in on Jun 25, 2015)

NEW DELHI: Delhi remains behind states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu in key health indicators, such as the infant mortality rate (IMR). The Economic Survey report 2014-15 shows that 22 of every 1,000 children born in the city in 2013 (the latest available data) died within a year of birth.The number of children dying within 29 days of birth—also called neonatal mortality rate (NMR)— stood at 15 per 1,000 births for the corresponding year, as per the civil registration system.Dr V K Paul professor and head of the pediatrics department at AIIMS, said the figures reflected lack of infrastructure. "Kerala and Tamil Nadu fare much better in terms of IMR despite having a larger and more diverse population. Tamil Nadu has tribal and coastal populations that are uneducated," he said.Dr Paul added that neonatal ICU facilities in Delhi need to be increased and mothers need to be made aware about the best practices. Dr Krishan Chugh chairman of the department of paediatrics at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital , said the institutional birth rate has gone up in Delhi. "Deaths are still happening due to poor ante-natal care, and in some cases mothers reach hospital for birth too late," he said.The report shows that the percentage of gross state domestic product (GSDP) spent on healthcare in Delhi has reduced from 1.05 in 2006-07 to 0.96 in 2014-15.In 2001, Delhi's IMR was 24 per 1,000 births. It reduced to 13 per 1,000 in 2004 and 2005 but has been on the rise ever since. Delhi's NMR was 14 per 1,000 in 2001 and reduced to 9 per 1,000 in 2004 but has been increasing ever since.Experts said conditions arising in the period immediately before and after birth cause maximum infant deaths, followed by hypoxia, birth asphyxia and other respiratory conditions. "The government is promoting institutional childbirth but the infrastructure required for it remains poor. Infection rates are high in most maternity centres due to poor hygiene. The number of doctors and nurses is also not adequate," said an expert.