THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala has achieved a significant milestone in public health, with its infant mortality rate (IMR) dropping to 5, which is lower than the national average and even that of the United States. According to the latest Sample Registration System Statistical Report, this is the lowest IMR in India, where the national average is 25. The US has an IMR of 5.6.
Kerala’s newborn mortality rate is also below 4, which is on par with developed countries. The state has successfully reduced its IMR from 6 in 2021 to 5 in 2023, representing five infant deaths per 1,000 live births. Health Minister Veena George thanked all healthcare workers and colleagues for this achievement.
According to Minister Veena George, this success is a result of Kerala’s excellent healthcare initiatives. The government has focused on improving maternal and child care, raising the standards of all delivery hospitals. Sixteen hospitals have received National LaQshya Quality Certification, and six have received National MusQan accreditation.
The state has also implemented several key programs:
The Comprehensive Newborn Screening project to detect and treat birth defects early.
The ‘Hridyam’ project, which has provided free heart surgeries to 8,450 children with congenital heart defects.
The ‘Mathruyanam’ scheme, which offers free transportation for mothers and newborns from the hospital to their homes after delivery.
Specialized care and screening for rare genetic diseases, which has also helped reduce related mortality.
The Minister highlighted that the low IMR is consistent across both urban and rural areas, including tribal and coastal regions. This demonstrates that health services are accessible to all communities in the state.
With input from Keralanews.Gov
For more details: Navamalayalam.com
