By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, March 3, 2017 : The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in Odisha has drastically come down to 40 per 1000 against national average of 41, according to fourth round report of National Family Health Survey (NFHS).

Interestingly, as per NFHS-4, IMR in Odisha is now better than six major states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Assam, Rajasthan and Jharkhand.

Trend of Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) – India Vs Odisha

While the State had registered 96 in IMR in 2000 as compared to national average of 68, the IMR dropped to 65 in 2005, against national average of 57, said the survey report.

Expressing pleasure over the sharp decline in IMR in Odisha, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said, “The reduction in IMR is encouraging. Apart from it, Odisha has registered a sharp increase in field of institutional deliveries, family planning and mothers care”.

Odisha has also achieved success in decline in Under-5 Mortality Rate, he said.

Officials attributed improved Ante-Natal Check [ANC] Coverage, significant improvement in institutional delivery, improved use of any family planning method, improved immunisation coverage and sharp reduction in anemia among pregnant women as the reasons for fall in IMR rate in the state.