Is Mizoram Leading India with Its Low Infant Mortality Rate?

Aizawl, Sep 18 (NationPress) The Governor of Mizoram, Gen Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), announced on Wednesday that the state boasts one of the lowest Infant Mortality Rates (IMR) in India, at 13 per 1,000 live births. This statistic highlights the significant strides made in maternal and child healthcare within this northeastern state.

During the launch of the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan (Healthy Woman, Empowered Family Campaign) and the 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month Campaign), the Governor noted that Mizoram's healthcare framework benefits from a robust presence of doctors and numerous nurses each year, making it a pivotal player in the state’s healthcare advancements.

He pointed out ongoing issues such as HIV/AIDS, drug addiction, and malaria, alongside the rising rates of cancer and respiratory illnesses tied to tobacco use and other factors. He called for unified efforts from all societal segments to effectively tackle these challenges.

The Governor also underlined the necessity of implementing government health initiatives effectively and commended the ongoing work of the Health and Family Welfare Department.

General Singh (Retd) highlighted the remarkable improvements in healthcare since the launch of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Mizoram in the fiscal year 2018-19.

He emphasized that quality and affordable healthcare has become more accessible due to the establishment of medical colleges, district hospitals, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs), Health and Wellness Centres, and Sub-Centres.

The Governor expressed gratitude for the Jan Aushadhi Scheme, which supplies low-cost medications to the public.

Regarding the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar and Rashtriya Poshan Maah campaigns, he highlighted their critical role in promoting the health of women and children, expressing hope for positive results from these initiatives.

The ceremony coincided with the nationwide launch of the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan and the 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah Campaign, which was inaugurated online by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.

The event in Aizawl was tailored to suit the needs of Mizoram. Health and Family Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii expressed her gratitude for the chance to initiate the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar, and 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah campaigns, which focus on improving the health of women and children in Mizoram.

She emphasized that empowered women, supported by determination, can reach significant achievements, thereby strengthening families and communities.

The Minister urged healthcare professionals to serve with commitment throughout the duration of the campaign and called for comprehensive participation to ensure its success.

She also requested collaborative efforts from Village Councils, Local Councils, NGOs, and churches to amplify the campaigns’ influence and efficiency.

The Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar campaign seeks to enhance family health, beginning with maternal well-being. From September 17 to October 2, various activities will be organized across hospitals, Health and Wellness Centres, and Health Sub-Centres, including health camps and check-ups.

The campaign will facilitate enrollment in initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and Nikshay Mitra, along with the creation of Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs.