Guwahati, 19 June (HS): Assam has recorded the country's sharpest decline in maternal mortality rate (MMR), from 480 in 2006 to 125 in 2022. This is being considered a revolutionary change in the direction of health services in the state.
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma termed this achievement as a historic milestone and attributed it to political will, strong health infrastructure and tireless efforts of frontline health workers.
He said, This change is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to maternal and child health - a journey I have been a part of myself first as Health Minister and now as Chief Minister. Every single figure tells the story of a life saved, a mother who returned safely to her family, and a future that was improved. Expressing personal satisfaction over this achievement, the Chief Minister thanked the doctors, nurses, ASHA workers and health officials of Assam. “This would not have been possible without your dedicated service,” the chief minister said.
Health experts believe that maternal mortality rate is an important indicator of the quality of health services in a state. Once among the country’s lagging states on this front, Assam is now making sustained and meaningful progress.
The state government has been steadily implementing targeted interventions such as institutional delivery, nutritional support to pregnant women, access to antenatal care and emergency obstetric services — especially in remote areas.
Recent data confirm the success of these initiatives and establish Assam as a model for maternal health improvement in the region.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
