Every year, nearly six lakh babies in India are born with congenital anomalies. However, the country still lacks a national registry to systematically track these conditions.
As deaths from infectious diseases decline, congenital disorders now account for a growing proportion of child mortality. Consequently, experts warn that the absence of coordinated surveillance and structured care has become an urgent public health concern.
According to recent estimates, India contributes nearly 16% of global deaths linked to birth defects.
Launch of Birth Anomalies Network of India (BIND)
In response to this gap, Smile Train India and Birth Defects Research Foundation jointly launched the Birth Anomalies Network of India (BIND) in New Delhi.
As reported by TOI, the platform aims to strengthen prevention strategies, promote early diagnosis, and ensure structured long-term care for children born with congenital conditions.
Call for a National Birth Anomalies Registry
At the heart of BIND’s agenda lies the proposal to establish a National Birth Anomalies Registry. Such a registry would generate reliable nationwide data, identify preventable risk factors, and guide evidence-based health planning.
Currently, surveillance systems remain fragmented, screening practices vary widely, and referral pathways often lack clarity—especially outside metropolitan areas. As a result, many children fail to receive timely and appropriate care.
Conditions Driving the Burden
Congenital heart disease, cleft lip and palate, spina bifida, clubfoot, Down syndrome, and vision and hearing impairments constitute a significant portion of the burden.
Although many of these conditions are treatable when detected early, healthcare systems rarely integrate multidisciplinary care into routine newborn services. Therefore, children often face delays in diagnosis and intervention, which can lead to preventable complications or lifelong disability.
Need for Greater Public Awareness
Mamta Carroll, Vice President and Regional Director (Asia) at Smile Train, emphasized that birth anomalies remain under-recognised in public discourse. She highlighted the need to bring these conditions into mainstream health conversations to ensure that affected children receive timely care and policy attention.
Through initiatives like BIND, stakeholders aim to bridge critical gaps in data, awareness, and service delivery—ultimately improving survival and quality of life for thousands of children across India.