Haryana aims at 100% Aadhaar registration of newborns

CHANDIGARH: Buoyed by the impressive increase in the institutional delivery rate, Haryana government has directed the health department to achieve a target of 100% Aadhaar registration of newborns, which at present is 94%.

The institutional delivery rate in the state that was 43.3% in 2005 rose to 92.1% by December 2016, the Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP government claimed. As per the health indicators, the underfive mortality rate, which was 78 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2005, decreased to 43 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2015.

The infant mortality rate, which was 60 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2005, decreased to 36 in 2015, and the neonatal mortality rate dropped from 35 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2005 to 24 in 2015, an official spokesperson said.

The maternal mortality rate, which was 186 per 1,00,000 live births in 2005, also dipped to 127.

“Haryana has improved considerably in terms of institutional deliveries,” the spokesperson said, pointing out that the current status of heath institutions across the state was discussed during a review meeting held by chief secretary DS Dhesi.

Meanwhile, the state government has decided to buy 150 ambulances (Basic Life Support) and 22 Medical Mobile Units (MMUs) that will have a doctor, a staff nurse, a pharmacist and a lab technician, according to chief secretary DS Dhesi.

The chief secretary directed the health department officers to strengthen First Referral Unit (FRU) in coordination with the director general health services so that round-the-clock medical services are provided to people.

The government has given nod to empanel private ultrasound centres under the ‘Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram’ to facilitate pregnant women.

Also, specialists will be appointed in Nuh, Palwal and Narnaul where there is less availability of doctors. The government has given extension to 110 staff nurses posted in newborn stabilisation units.