Odishatv Bureau

Bhubaneswar: Aiming at putting a check on maternal mortality rate (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR) in remote and inaccessible areas, the State government has decided to spend Rs 50 crore per annum for the purpose.

The decision came up at a meeting of the State Health Mission presided by chief minister Naveen Patnaik here today. The government also decided to provide diagnostic facilities to the needy people at all public health centres, Patnaik said after the meeting.

“A special initiative for reduction of IMR and MMR in difficult areas will be rolled out with an annual budget of Rs 50 crore. Also, the government will ensure availability of minimum assured diagnostic services in all public health facilities in a phased manner,” he said.

“The state government is moving towards a holistic and comprehensive health care for needy people by effective implementation of Niramaya scheme along with BKKY, CMRF and OSTF,” the chief minister added.

Right from ambulance service for patients to distribution of medicines free of cost, everything was discussed in the meeting to ensure that people get all medical services provided by the government without any hindrance, Health minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak said.

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