Shivamogga: Despite the numerous government schemes to check infant mortality, it has risen from 19.46 per cent in 2015-16 to 21.16 per cent this year (from April to October) in the district. In only seven months, 336 infants have died and the number could rise by the end of the year.
While its not clear how many infants have died in hospitals, it appears more of those born at homes are dying. Most deaths, 235 , were reported from Shivamogga taluk followed by Shikaripur, 32, Bhadravati, 29, Sagar, 21, Sorab, 12, Hosanagar, four and Tirthahalli, three.
Also, despite the various schemes for care of pregnant women, distribution of Madilu kits for safe delivery and supply of nutritious food and vaccination, the government has not been able to check the maternal mortality rate (MMR) either here.
Acording to health department records, 14 new mothers have died in the seven months from April to October this year in the district. In Shivamogga taluk alone, 12 new mothers have died. In 2015-16, 26 women died during or after delivery in the district.
District health officer, Dr.Rajesh Surgihalli, explains that babies die usually due to pre-term or late delivery. “Low haemoglobin levels, lack of nutritious food, heart diseases and low weight of the baby are some of the other reasons. The government has implemented various schemes for health of pregnant women and infants and we are trying to create awareness in rural areas through ASHA workers," he added.
