A steep decline in the infant mortality rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) had been witnessed in Chhattisgarh.
This was a result of better implementation of Health and Family Welfare Programmes and Aanganbadi services by State Government, according to an official statement issued here on Wednesday.
As per the Sample Registration System (SRS) Bulletin of year 2012 issued by Census Commissioner, Union Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, Chhattisgarh is among the top three States of the country to have recorded significant decrease in infant mortality rate (per 1000 live births).
According to Annual Health Survey of year 2011-12, maternal mortality rate (per lakh live births) has also declined considerably in State. This is in line with the State’s efforts towards the attainment of Millennium Development Goals declared by UNO.
The top three States that have recorded sharp decrease in IMR, as per the SRS bulletin-2012 are mainly Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, whereas the top three States that have played commendable role in bringing down MMR are Uttarakhan, Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
As per the bulletin, IMR in Chhattisgarh has been recorded at 48, whereas according to Annual Health Survey, MMR in State is 263. Both the reports have revealed that Chhattisgarh holds third rank among the States of the country to have recorded comparatively low IMR and MMR.
“Certainly, it is the result of extensive and effective implementation of health services and Aanganbadi services in State, but still continuous efforts are required to further decrease the infant and maternal mortality rates. Serious steps are being taken in the direction”, said CM.
He further said that for eradication of malnutrition, Government has initiated ‘Nava Jatan Yojana’ through Women and Child Development Department. It is noteworthy that as per Health and Family Welfare Department’s report for year 2011-12, State recorded IMR of 79 at the time of formation in year 2000, which consistently declined to 60 in year 2004, 59 in year 2007, 57 in year 2008, 54 in year 2009 and 51 in year 2010. Following the trend, Chhattisgarh has recorded a new low in IMR i.e. 48 in year 2012.