Visakhapatnam: Infant mortality rate has dipped in Vizag district. As per the district medical and health officer data, the number of infant deaths has reduced to 11 this year from 16 in the district during the corresponding period last year.
This is mainly due to the measures taken by the government to check the maternal mortality rate and infant mortality rate in the state, said principal secretary of health and medical education Poonam Malakondaiah.
Ms Malakondaiah addressed DMHOs of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Vizag and East Godavari districts in meeting on Thursday. She asked them to prepare action plans for controlling seasonal diseases in these districts.
The principal secretary directed officials of medical, health, panchayati raj, rural water works, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and other departments to take collective action against the seasonal fevers.
“All departments must work together to control seasonal fevers and sunstroke cases. Mobile medical units must move in all villages to provide healthcare services to the people.
Apart from 24.5 lakh mosquito nets distributed in the agency areas during last year, another 11 lakh net will be supplied this year,” Ms Malakondiaah informed.
She also asked government officials to ensure regular supply of drinking water. She also directed them to fill the vacant posts of medical and health officials on contract basis.
