Guwahati, 03 July (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the state's sustained investments and policy interventions in the health sector have led to a significant decline in the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), which has dropped from 41 in 2018 to 29 in 2024.

Sharing the development through social media, the Chief Minister recalled that as the state's Health Minister in July 2017, he had launched the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) at Barpeta Medical College with the belief that it would play a crucial role in reducing infant deaths. He said the latest figures released by the Central Government have validated that vision.

Sarma attributed the improvement to a series of coordinated initiatives undertaken over the past several years, including the expansion of neonatal and maternal healthcare services, strengthening medical infrastructure in tea garden areas, deployment of trained nurses, ASHA workers and health officials, improved ambulance services and a rise in institutional deliveries.

He also highlighted the state's efforts to curb child marriage and early pregnancies, describing them as key factors contributing to lower infant and maternal mortality rates. According to him, these measures have also resulted in safer childbirth and a decline in teenage pregnancies across the state.

Reaffirming the government's commitment, the Chief Minister said the progress achieved so far is only a milestone and not the final destination. He asserted that the state would continue working with the same determination to further reduce the infant mortality rate and ensure better healthcare and a healthier future for every mother and child in Assam.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash