Rajasthan is among one of the states which have reported the second highest decrease in points in infant mortality rate (IMR). Initiatives were taken for infant healthcare which has proved beneficial for the state. Sample Registration System (SRS) bulletin issued by the Centre on 30th May 2019, have shown that there is a reduction of three points in IMR in the state.

Uttarakhand had topped the list of states reporting the highest number of decrease in points in IMR, which is followed by Bihar, Haryana, Odisha and Rajasthan, recording a slash of three points in IMR each.

According to SRS bulletin issued in 2017, the IMR in the state was 41 deaths per 1,000 live births. The newly issued report of SRS bulletin 2019 have shown that it has gone down to 38 deaths per 1,000 live births. Hence, the report states that three more infants are being saved from dying per 1,000 live births. 18 lakh to 20 lakh infants are born every year as per the health department.

Dr Samit Sharma, National Health Mission, Mission Director (State), Health Department added that, continuous efforts in providing quality healthcare to mothers and infants have facilitated to reduce IMR. He also said that in years to come, the state will witness a rapid decline in it.

Dr Sriram Meena, Director, Family Welfare, Health Department, claimed that due to improved maternal healthcare in the state, IMR is improved. He said that if mothers are healthy, children born will also be healthy. The institutional deliveries and ante-natal check-ups have also increased significantly in the past few years.

The health department also claimed that full immunization coverage of children in the state has also increased to above 85%.

Despite all the efforts, the situation in rural areas is still a cause of concern. The IMR in rural area is 42 infant deaths per 1,000 live births and in rural areas, it is 28 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. A lot of work has to be done by the health department in rural areas to save the lives of infants in rural areas. A huge difference is seen between IMR in rural and urban areas of 14 points.

Health department officials have assured saying that they are focusing on rural areas too. The official also said that in rural areas, accredited social health activist (ASHA) visits door to door, checking the health of infants. If they find any infant is ill, they immediately refer the baby to the hospital for treatment.