BHUBANESWAR: Despite implementation of separate programmes with heavy budgetary allocations, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) remain distressingly high in the State.
Official sources maintained that Odisha tops the list in both early neo-natal mortality rate (ENMR) and IMR in the country. While the ENMR in Odisha remains 28, in Kerala it is only 4. The national average for ENMR is 22.
Surprisingly, the ENMR in several other States including Bihar, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Maharashtra and Gujarat remains less than Odisha.
While ENMR is 23 in Bihar, it is 26 in Rajasthan and 17 in Himachal Pradesh, much less than the high mortality rate in Odisha.
Similarly, while IMR remains 51 in Odisha, it is only 12 in Kerala. The national average for IMR is 40.
The IMR in several States including Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra is less than Odisha.
Official sources maintained that MMR also remains high in Odisha despite implementation of several schemes by the State Government. While the national average of MMR is 167, MMR in Odisha is 222, one of the highest in the country.
Rajasthan tops the list with MMR of 244. But Bihar and Haryana have MMR of 208 and 127 respectively while in Kerala and Maharashtra, the MMR is 61 and 68 respectively.
Life expectancy in Odisha is also less than the national average.
While female and male life expectancy in Odisha is 67.3 years and 64.3 years respectively, the national average is 69.6 years and 67.3 years respectively.
In Kerala, the female and male life expectancy is 77.6 years and 73.2 years respectively. Life expectancy in Odisha is less than many other States including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, West Bengal, Bihar and Rajasthan.
Expressing concern over the high IMR and MMR in Odisha, Finance Minister Pradip Amat while presenting the State Budget for 2016-17 had announced that a separate programme has been launched for their reduction.
Sorry figures
28 the early neo-natal mortality rate in Odisha
Kerala it is only 4
The national average is 22
51 the Infant Mortality Rate in Odisha
Kerala it is only 12
National average is 40
222 The Maternal Mortality Rate in Odisha. One of the highest in the country
National average is 167
Life expectancy
Female and male life expectancy in Odisha is 67.3 years and 64.3 years respectively
In Kerala, female and male life expectancy is 77.6 years and 73.2 years
National average is 69.6 years and 67.3 years