Maharashtra Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said on Friday that 14,526 children aged zero to five died in seven districts of the state over the past three years. He replied to BJP MLA Sneha Dubey’s question, confirming that 303 severely malnourished (SAM) children and 2,663 moderately malnourished (MAM) children under six months to six years also died in the last six months. Sneha Dubey raised concern over 49,080 child deaths in districts including Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur, and Yavatmal over three years. Mr. Abitkar said this was “partially true.” He highlighted that in tribal areas, especially Palghar district, 138 children aged zero to six died in the past six months due to serious illness and some from malnutrition. Mr. Abitkar also confirmed that 269 children suffer from serious diseases, with 68 SAM and 835 MAM cases currently reported. On positive notes, Mr. Abitkar said Maharashtra has met the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal target for neonatal mortality rate (NMR). According to the Sample Registration System 2023 survey, published in September 2025, Maharashtra’s NMR is 11 deaths per 1,000 births, below the SDG goal of less than 12. When asked about following the Dr. Abhay Bang committee’s suggestions to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates, the minister listed ongoing government schemes. These include Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Abdul Kalam Amrit Aahar Yojana for tribal children, SAM Special Initiative, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and the Child’s First Golden 1000 Days campaign. Health department schemes highlighted are Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Matritva Abhiyan, Janani Suraksha Yojana, Janani Shishu Suraksha Program and infrastructure like Special New Born Care Unit, New Born Stabilization Unit, Nutrition Rehabilitation Center, and Home Baby Care. Other programs mentioned include Mother Absolute Affection (MAA), Anaemia Free India Vitamin A Program, Stop Diarrhoea Campaign, Social Awareness and Action to Neutralise Pneumonia (SAANS), and the National Child Health Program (NCHP).