Orissa government to set up six newborn care units

Orissadiary.com, May 24, 2010
Bhubaneswar: The Orissa government has given priority on reduction of the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR).


The IMR has reduced from 97 to 69 in the state. The IMR rate is high among infants within 28 days of their birth. At a review meeting on the child and mother health scenario in the state at the state Secretariat here on Saturday presided over by health and family welfare secretary Anu Garg, it was revealed that with the collaboration of state government, UNICEF and National Rural Health Mission eight sick newborn care unit (SNCUs) of level-II are functioning in Capital Hospital, Baripada, Rairangpur, Udala, Karanjia, Koraput, Jeypore and Kandhamal.

In these units until March end, 6,500 infants from their birth till 28 days are being treated. Similarly, in June, such units will be functional in Sambalpur, Burla, Sonepur, Balasore, Puri and Rayagada.

There are plans to open similar units in Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, MKCG and SCB Medical College Hospital. Steps have been taken by NRHM to turn 140 TCHC and PHCs to referral units.

The NRHM has made financial allocations for 58 units out of these to be turned into level 1 newborn care units. Garg has directed work for these units to be expedited. Similarly, institutional deliveries are being done in 510 health organizations.