Assam Slashes Maternal Deaths: New Infection Control Measures Launched

Assam is significantly enhancing its infection prevention and control practices within healthcare institutions to improve outcomes for mothers and infants. The state has reported a substantial decrease in mortality rates, with the maternal mortality ratio now at 84 deaths per lakh live births, a considerable drop from the previous 480. Concurrently, the infant mortality rate has fallen to 29 per thousand live births.

These achievements are credited to a multi-faceted approach including institutional deliveries, improved medical infrastructure, and grassroots interventions through the National Health Mission. Health Minister Ashok Singhal launched a new standard operating procedure (SOP) and a dedicated infection-control portal in Dibrugarh to further bolster these efforts. The SOP aims to standardize infection prevention protocols across all healthcare facilities, while the portal will provide healthcare personnel with essential resources and guidelines.

Minister Singhal emphasized that safeguarding maternal and newborn lives is crucial for a healthy society. He highlighted the need for continued skill enhancement, infrastructure development, and effective infection control to sustain and improve these vital health indicators. The implemented measures are expected to solidify progress and further reduce mortality rates.