NUAPADA: The Nuapada administration has set an ambitious target of bringing down maternal and infant mortality to zero, with plans underway to implement a series of health-focused interventions to achieve the purpose.
Currently, Nuapada’s sex ratio stands at 973, higher than the state average of 934. But officials emphasised the need to further improve healthcare outcomes so that the district emerges as a model in maternal and child health.
As per official data, 110 infant deaths were reported in the district between April and August this year. During the same period, 5,747 pregnant women underwent health check-ups, while 552 babies were born underweight at less than 2.5 kg.
Nuapada collector Madhusudan Dash laid stress on the administration’s commitment to improving every health indicator and said, “No woman should lose her life during childbirth, and no child should die due to preventable causes. Our goal is to ensure that every family in the district has access to quality healthcare, and every patient leaves our hospitals with not just treatment but a positive experience. This can be achieved through proper awareness among people and better services from our end.”
A health review meeting in this regard was held earlier this week, where officials highlighted the challenges that continue to persist in maternal and child health. In response, the administration has drawn up measures to improve healthcare access, strengthen awareness at the community level.
As per the proposed plan, monthly ‘Saasu-Bohu Melas’ will be organised to build family support systems for pregnant and lactating mothers. Hospitals have also been directed to focus on hygiene and patient-friendly practices, including the introduction of music therapy.
Under the state’s AMLAN (Anaemia Mukta Lakhya Abhiyan) scheme, efforts will be intensified to combat anaemia among adolescent girls and expectant mothers. With these initiatives, the district aims to set an example in Odisha’s healthcare sector by prioritising maternal and child health as a core development agenda.