Changing trends in mortality and morbidity in a teaching hospital in central India

A comparison of mortality and morbidity pattern of hospital admissions of children under 14 years during 1966–68 and 1977–81 has been made. Annual admission rate has increased from 1515 to 2515, which is in proportion to the population increase of 3 lacs from 1966 to 1981. Recently more than 70% were discharged within a week as against 52% during 1966–68, indicating a faster turnover and a need for more beds. Protein energy malnutrition, infections and diarrhoea with dehydration were main killers. The pattern of mortality and morbidity has not much changed from 1966 to 81 but mortality rates at all ages have considerably declined in recent years (neonatal, post neonatal, preschool and school). Measures to decline it further have been discussed. The data should be of interest to those engaged in planning health strategies and to teachers in defining priorities in Medical education.