Another silent development is taking place in Bihar, the state has significantly reduced the infant mortality rate (IMR)from 61 to 48 and is only 1 point below the national average of 47,officials on Monday said.
Bihar Health Minister Ashwani Kumar Choubey said, " The state has recorded a sharp fall in the IMR in last six years, thanks to consistent efforts and steps taken by the government,"
"IMR was 61 per 1,000 in 2005; now it has come down to 48 per1,000. It is a big achievement, " he added. At present, the national IMR average is 47.
Choubey said here that Bihar will try to reduce the IMR below the national average soon. "The government has launched several schemes to provide health care to nutrition to new born children," he said.
State Health Society Executive Director Sanjay Kumar said that the state is committed to achieve an IMR figure lower than the national average, for which different concerned departments are coordinating among themselves.
Kumar said the government had targetted to open fully-functional nutrition rehabilitation centres in all districts to start caesarian section and make available 500 more ambulances for transportation of patients.
According to Kumar, the sick newborn care units have contributed towards a decline in the state's IMR.
"It has helped reduce infant mortality across the state" he said.These units operate round the clock, and have helped save lives of over 90,000 babies born with complications each year.
