Health and Family Welfare Minister Pratap Jena launched the Newborn Care Week in the State at a special programme here on Friday. The week will end on November 21. Besides, the Minister also inaugurated a training programme for doctors and medical employees for treatment and care of underweight newborn children.
Jena said due to efforts of the State Government the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) have been reduced in the State. The IMR has been reduced from 65 to 40 in ten years, he said.
He said efforts have also been made to achieve more percentage of institutional births, which stands at 85 per cent now. As many as 37 Sick Newborn Care Units (SNCU) have been operational in 30 districts where over 47,000 children were provided treatment last year, he said. The Minister announced that the current year, 2018-19, would be observed as “Newborn Care Year” in the State.
Department Secretary Dr Pramod Kumara Meherda said urged upon doctors and paramedical staffs to prove their mettle in achieving more development in health sector.
National Heath Mission Director Shalini Pandit said various programmes have been undertaken with State’s own funds to check IMR and MMR. Pregnant women and underweight children are being identified in remote areas and sent to hospitals for treatment. As many as 62 nutrition centres have been opened in 37 SNCUs. Newborns weighing below 2500 gram are being taken care of by ASHA works for 15 months, she said.
On the occasion, the Minister gave away first, second and third prizes to Nayagarh DHH, Rayagada DHH and Deogarh DHH, respectively, for best performances SNCU. Similarly, Sundargarh, Subarnapur and Boudh districts were awarded as first, second and third for performances for taking care of children in their own houses.
Similarly, Dhenkanal and Kalahandi districts were felicitated with Lakshya State Certificates (for developing labour room).
Three children, who were born weighing below 750 gram and provided treatment at SNCUs successfully for over a year, were felicitated on the occasion.
Among others, Special Secretary Dr BK Brahma and Family Welfare Director Dr Lingaraj Mishra were present.