Infant mortality rate drops in Rajasthan

The infant mortality rate (IMR) in Rajasthan has come down to 41 per thousand births in 2016, according to a survey.
Principal Secretary Health Veenu Gupta said that the IMR in 2012 was 49 per 1000 live births in the state has continuously reduced year on year due to efforts and effective implementation of the schemes.
According to Sample Registration Survey (SRS-2016) report, the IMR, which was 43 on per 1,000 live births in the state, has come down to 41.
Gupta said that the 'Chirayu' programme, operational in eight districts of the state, and strengthening of primary, community and new born health care services has reduced the chances of infection thus improving the IMR parameters.

Rajasthan Health Minister Kalicharan Saraf also expressed satisfaction for the efforts being carried out to improve the healthcare services.
He exuded confidence that the IMR will be brought down further in the coming years.