Scheme to reduce child mortality rate launched

The Centre has launched a new scheme, called Navjat Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (neonatal protection programme), to reduce high infant mortality rate(IMR).

In this programme health care workers will be trained in resuscitation—23 per cent of neonatal death occurs due to asphyxia at birth—besides infection control and hypothermia.
This was explained by Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to the members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Health.  

The health care workers will also advise the mothers on early initiation of breast feeding for the betterment of the child.