MUSHALPUR, Sept 23 - At a time when a number of schemes have been launched by the Central as well as the State Governments to check infant and maternal mortality rates, the death of 54 infants in the months of April, May and June this year has raised the concern of the Deputy Commissioner of Baksa.
Besides these deaths, 11 maternal deaths also occurred in these three months in Baksa. The figures came out in review meeting of Baksa DC Ranjan Sarma with the Health officials of Baksa recently on the overall Covid-related situation and status of infant and maternal mortality rates in Baksa district.
The Deputy Commissioner expressed his dissatisfaction with the figures and asked the Health officials to take prompt action like creating awareness among the villagers and the weaker sections of the district. According to official reports, the causes of the deaths include asphyxia, low birth weight, jaundice and pneumonia but as many of the deaths had occurred at homes, most causes could not be verified. The BPHC-wise distribution of the infant death cases include Barama 3, Golagaon 7, Jalah 22, Mushalpur 6, Nizkaurbaha 10, Tamulpur 5 and SNCU (Special Newborn Care Unit) 1.
It is noteworthy that 21 infant deaths were recorded outside the district, 25 were at home, seven were in transit and one was in a health institution. Meanwhile, out of the total maternal deaths, four were outside the district, four were in transit and three were at home. In respect of Covid cases, the DC ordered the Health officials to strictly monitor the home-isolation Covid patients as per protocols and keep the records properly.
