APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 29/06/2026

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (29-06-2026).

📘 GS Mains Model Question (APSC CCE)

“Despite significant progress in reducing Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), neonatal mortality continues to remain a major public health challenge in Assam.” Examine the factors responsible for high neonatal mortality and suggest measures to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in the State. (250 Words)

Model Answer

Introduction

According to the recent editorial in The Assam Tribune, Assam has reduced its Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) from 419 (2006) to 84 per one lakh live births, which is now below the national average. However, high neonatal mortality and rural health disparities continue to hinder the State’s progress towards SDG-3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Body

Factors Responsible for High Neonatal Mortality

1. Maternal Malnutrition and Anaemia

High prevalence of maternal anaemia results in low birth weight and premature births.
Poor nutritional status adversely affects fetal development.

2. Inadequate Antenatal and Postnatal Care

Delayed registration of pregnancy.
Limited high-risk pregnancy screening.
Inadequate postnatal follow-up.

3. Weak Neonatal Healthcare Infrastructure

Shortage of NICUs/SNCUs in remote districts.
Limited availability of paediatric specialists and trained neonatal nurses.

4. Geographical Challenges

Flood-prone districts and riverine (Char) areas delay emergency referrals.
Difficult terrain restricts access to institutional healthcare.

5. Socio-economic Factors

Poverty and low female literacy.
Child marriage and adolescent pregnancies.
Poor sanitation and hygiene practices.

6. Rural–Urban Disparity

Rural areas continue to have significantly poorer maternal and child health indicators due to unequal access to quality healthcare.

Government Initiatives

National Health Mission (NHM)
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
LaQshya Programme
POSHAN Abhiyaan
Mission Indradhanush
Anaemia Mukt Bharat
Assam’s Boat Clinics for riverine populations.

Way Forward

Strengthen primary healthcare and institutional delivery services.
Expand Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) and neonatal intensive care facilities.
Improve maternal nutrition through POSHAN Abhiyaan and anaemia control programmes.
Ensure universal antenatal and postnatal care using digital tracking platforms.
Strengthen emergency referral systems, telemedicine, and boat clinics in flood-prone areas.
Promote women’s education, delayed marriage, birth spacing, and family planning.
Enhance community awareness through ASHA and Anganwadi workers.
Improve health data monitoring through Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR).

Conclusion

Reducing neonatal mortality requires moving beyond institutional deliveries towards quality maternal and newborn care. A holistic approach combining nutrition, gender equality, resilient healthcare infrastructure, skilled human resources, and last-mile service delivery will enable Assam to achieve better health outcomes and accelerate progress towards SDG-3, while strengthening its overall human development trajectory.

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