‘Baby deaths have been reduced considerably’: J&K ranks seventh in low Infant Mortality Rate

 Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as one of the top 10 states and Union Territories which have successfully reduced Infant Mortality Rate (IMR). 

A 2021 Sample Survey System (SSS) released by the Registrar General of India (RGI) has revealed that IMR in Jammu and Kashmir is 20 against the national average of 30.

IMR is defined as death per 1,000 live births of babies under the age of one year.  As per the survey, all the states have made a lot of improvements in IMR from 2014 and 2019.Jammu and Kashmir ranks seventh among the states and UTs with fewer baby deaths.Prior to it, the Union Territory had recorded an IMR of 34 in 2014.

As per the survey Kerala topped the list with just six deaths per 1000 births. It is the only state with a single-digit IMR. Its IMR was 12 in 2014.

Kerala is followed by Delhi with an IMR of 11, Tamil Nadu 15, Maharashtra 17, Punjab 19, and West Bengal 20.Madhya Pradesh has the highest IMR with 46 followed by Uttar Pradesh 41, Assam 40, Chhattisgarh 40 Odhisa 38, and Rajasthan 35.

Doctors said health infrastructure and availability of women-centric schemes was the reason for IMR improvement in Jammu and Kashmir. “Directorate of Health Services has upgraded infrastructure at the rural and urban level. 

Now every hospital including PHC and CHCs has a gynecologist to attend to pregnant women. Over the years referrals have reduced,” said Dr. Mir Mushtaq, spokesperson, Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir.

He said the schemes, which have incentivized health care, equally contributed to low IMR in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Asha and Anganwadi workers monitor each case and track the health of pregnant women. From free-of-cost diet to medicine, pregnant women are provided all the facilities. Women-centric schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana and Aysuhman Bharat have also played their part,” Dr. Mushtaq said.