State Infant Mortality Rate drops below National Average: Odisha CM

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday informed that Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in the State has declined below national average.

Speaking on reduction of IMR in the state, Naveen Patnaik told reporters that in 2000 when BJD government came to power, the IMR was as high as 91 in 1,000 births, comparison to national IMR 68.

The IMR became 41 in 2015-16, whereas Odisha has registered a drop of 56 points.

Patnaik further srated that, as compared to other states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh , Jharkhand, Assam and Rajasthan Odisha’s position is showing much better in the National Family Health Survey.

He thanked Health and Family Welfare, Women and Child Development Officials and self-help groups  associated with reduction of the IMR in the state.