BHUBANESWAR: Odisha has emerged a high performing state in terms of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) implementation, according to the findings of the Programme Evaluation Organisation (PEO) under the Planning Commission of India.
The PEO has undertaken quick evaluation studies of the major developmental programmes in 33 Left Wing Extremism affected districts of the country. Five most remote districts of Odisha such as Deogarh, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Rayagada and Sambalpur were covered under the study.
Around 99 percent of the people have admitted to considerable improvement in immunisation and healthcare facilities after implementation of converged operation between NHRM and ICDS programmes. They also opined that there has been reduction in incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropout rates. The scheme has enhanced capability and understanding of mothers to look after health and nutritional needs of their children, the respondents stated.
Household data collected from Deogarh district show that around 96 percent of the people were aware of the Anganwadi centres and NRHM activities in their villages and hamlets.