Odisha to Spend Rs.50 Crore Annually to Reduce Mother-Child Mortality Rate

The number of deaths of new mothers and babies is high in many areas of the Indian state due to inaccessibility and a lack of public health facilities.

The Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in Odisha is 222 per 1 lakh deliveries, while the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) stands at 51 per 10,000 children born in the state. Statistics reveal that both these ratios are more than the national average. The Odisha government has decided to spend Rs.50 crore annually to reduce MMR and IMR in inaccessible areas of the state. Also, the state government will ensure availability of minimum assured diagnostic services in all public health facilities in a phased manner.

During the 8th meeting of the State Health Mission, presided over by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, it was decided to implement the special program in 15 backward districts aiming to reduce MMR and IMR by 2020. A release from the chief minister’s office (CMO) said, "The government would also make arrangements for referral hospitals for babies and create ICUs in medical colleges for them."

Pregnancy Deaths Decline, But Maternal Mortality Rates Still Worrying
Worldwide deaths during pregnancy and childbirth have declined sharply, by 34% from an estimated 546 000 in 1990 to 358 000 in 2008.

The Odisha government is moving towards holistic and comprehensive health care for needy people by effective implementation of Niramaya along with Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana (BKKY) and Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF). Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak said, "Several programs and schemes related to the health sector were discussed in the meeting to provide better health service to the people."

Source-Medindia

Less Government Healthcare Spending Increases Maternal Mortality Rates Across the EU
Reductions in government healthcare spending are associated with increased maternal mortality rates in the EU.

Niger Strives to Lower Both Birth and Maternal Mortality Rates
Having a baby in impoverished Niger can be tantamount to a death sentence, with the world's highest birth rate in a country where first-time mothers are often barely past puberty.

Maternal Mortality Rates Decline
The number of women dying in pregnancy and childbirth declines by nearly half in the past two decades, show UN figures.