Odisha CM Orders Mission-Mode Drive to Reduce Maternal and Infant Deaths

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed the Health Department to intensify efforts to reduce maternal, infant and neonatal mortality across the state.

During a high-level PRAYAS review meeting at the state secretariat on Thursday, Majhi expressed concern over Odisha’s maternal mortality ratio of 153 deaths per lakh live births and infant mortality rate of 30 per 1,000 live births. He called for targeted interventions, improved emergency healthcare and better medical facilities for pregnant women and newborns, particularly in remote and rural areas. He also stressed accountability among healthcare workers.

To combat child malnutrition, the Chief Minister ordered stronger implementation of the Suposhit Odisha initiative and strict monitoring of food quality and nutritional supplements provided through Anganwadi centres.

Reviewing school education, Majhi directed teachers to focus on classroom teaching and foundational learning rather than unrelated duties. He emphasised improving learning outcomes among elementary students.

The meeting reviewed the performance of the Health and Family Welfare, Women and Child Development, and School and Mass Education departments, with a focus on improving healthcare, nutrition and education outcomes across Odisha.