# Bihar’s home-delivery-free drive cuts home births to 5-8% in 80 panchayats

2026-08-09T03:48:47+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

According to Hindustan Times, Bihar's home-delivery-free panchayat campaign has reduced home deliveries from over 40% to between 5% and 8.5% in 80 panchayats across 11 districts. In Muzaffarpur district, home deliveries have fallen to just 2% across 19 panchayats. The state health department targeted behaviour change through ASHAs, ANMs, and local leaders. Women like Neelam Devi, who faced severe bleeding during a home birth, now choose government hospitals. Other districts such as Saran and Kishanganj have also seen near-zero home deliveries.

## Coverage

- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/hospital-is-safe-for-mother-and-child-fostering-safe-motherhood-with-institutional-deliveries-101786206681677.html>

Tags: ASHA workers, Bihar, institutional delivery, maternal health, panchayat, public health
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