Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik underlined the point that Odisha had achieved significant benchmarks in institutional delivery, post natal care, immunisation coverage and reduction of anemia as well as MMR and IMR. Addressing the 61st All India Congress of Obstetrics & Gynaecology here today, the CM said institutional delivery in the state increased from 22.6 percent in 1998-99 to 85.4 percent in 2015, which is better than national average of 78.9 percent.

This increase in institutional deliveries during this period is the second highest in the country next only to Sikkim. In addition, the full immunisation coverage among children has also increased substantially and Odisha has jumped from 16th rank in 2000 to 5th rank in 2015-16. Odisha has made spectacular achievement with 56 points decline in Infant Mortality Rate from 96 in 2000 to 40 in 2015- 16, which is better than the national average of 41. This is the highest decline in IMR in the country and far better than national average decline of 27 points, he said.

It translates to saving 51,000 children annually, he noted.  Under-5 Mortality rate has been reduced from 104 to 49 per 1000 live births, which is also better than the national average of 50. Since 2000, Odisha has recorded 202 points reduction in MMR which is better than the national average reduction of 160 points.

These encouraging achievements have been made possible by commitment of our workforce including doctors, para-medics and extension functionaries, policies and sustained efforts on schemes like the Janani Surakhya Yojana, Niramaya – a free drug distribution scheme, dedicated ambulance services etc. MAMATA, floated in 2012, has been remarkably successful in encouraging pregnant women for availing institutional services.

More than 30 lakh pregnant women have been benefited till today under the scheme, he stated. He also spoke of the medical colleges that have been estbalished in the state to meet the shortfall of doctors. Earlier, Odia Film Superstar Sabyasachi marked the need for Women Equality and Equal Opportunity for the Girl Child and Dr Neharika Malhotra from FOGSI – Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecological Societies of India also spoke. “We truly believe that “women’s health is nations wealth” and it is the tagline of the 62nd AICOG, 2019 to be held in Bengaluru” remarked, Dr. Hema Divakar, Chairperson of the 62nd AICOG, 2019. Dr. C N Purandare and Dr. Johanvis from FIGO – The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics the apex body and global voice for women’s health hereby endorsed the role model initiatives being rolled out for prevention of Diabetes in Pregnancy, in India.