Kendujhar: A total of 3,199 children died in Kendujhar district between 2021 22 and 2025-26, highlighting persistent concerns over maternal and child health despite government welfare schemes and substantial public spending on healthcare. However, activists said the existing facilities have failed to significantly reduce child deaths, particularly in remote tribal areas where many maternal and neonatal deaths allegedly go unreported because they occur outside health institutions. Child rights activist Bhakta Batsala Mohanty said official records capture only hospital deaths, suggesting the actual toll could be higher if a comprehensive survey were conducted. CDMO Dr Dhaneswar Sethi said multiple factors contribute to maternal and infant deaths but noted that mortality has declined since April this year. He said the district administration is conducting regular reviews and taking corrective measures to further reduce the mortality rate.