Bhubaneswar, Mar 9: Odisha’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling informed the State Legislative Assembly that the state’s Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) currently stands at 30, which is higher than the national average of 25. The statement was made while responding to a query raised by MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati during the Assembly session.

Despite the higher IMR, the minister highlighted that Odisha has made significant progress over the past decade in reducing infant deaths. He stated that the state has achieved a decline of 21 points in IMR during the last ten years, which is notably better than the national decline of 15 points in the same period.

Mahaling also detailed several initiatives undertaken by the state government to further reduce infant mortality. Regular health check-ups are being conducted for pregnant women to ensure safe pregnancies and early detection of complications. First Referral Units (FRUs) have also been established to provide emergency medical services to mothers and newborns.

Schemes such as Maa Gruha are supporting pregnant women in rural areas by providing safe accommodation near health facilities before delivery. Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) and Lactation Management Units (LMUs) are also functioning to ensure proper care for newborn babies and promote breastfeeding among mothers.

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