The number of delivery deaths in Sundargarh district has shown a decline in past six months as compared to the past. As per district Health Department sources, the number of delivery-related deaths between November 2020 and April 2021 is nine against 19 recorded from May to October 2020.

Thanks to impact of Mother and Child Health programme ‘Matrujyoti,’ this has been possible. ‘Matrujyoti’ was launched by Sundargarh District Administration, with the financial support of the District Mineral Foundation, (DMF) in November last.

Under the programme, four times free ultrasound and other tests to every woman during pregnancy are offered. This has shown encouraging signs and is going to be instrumental in curbing Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in the district in the long term.

“The MMR of district Sundargarh is currently 101 (for every one lakh live births), and it has been our constant endeavour to further check the same. The ‘Matrujyoti’ programme has started giving rich dividends in direction. Through ultrasound tests, extended under service, the health condition of pregnant mother and baby in womb is assessed. Special attention is given to the high risk cases providing proper medical intervention at right time,” informed Chief District Medical Officer Sundargarh (CDMO) Dr Saroj Kumar Mishra.

Under ‘Matrujyoti’, over 28,000 pregnant women of district are going to get benefit annually. To achieve these objectives, seven Government hospitals and 45 private clinics have been empanelled by District Administration. Anganwadi and ASHA workers along with Gaon Kalyan Samiti (GKS) members and the local community members play a vital role behind the success of the programme.

The programme which was temporarily paused due to Covid is being resumed from July 1. Since its inception, over 19,500 tests have been carried out. Similarly, more than 250 high risk cases have been addressed with necessary medical care and advice, added sources.