PM alarmed at infant, maternal death rates

The large number of deaths prompted the PM to call a meeting today. “The PM was concerned why the health indices have remained the same for the last 30 years. We told him that the National Rural Health Mission is the only solution,” Ramadoss said. “We have made a commitment of bringing the figures down by half by 2010,” the minister added.

Singh has also called for a meeting with state health ministers to review the progress states have made. The PM has singled out Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for special attention. Singh also discussed immunisation and vector-borne disease like Japanese Encephalitis and dengue at the meeting.

“We had presentations on diseases like Japanese Encephalitis and the PM discussed procurement of vaccines for next disease season,” Secretary, Health, P K Hota said.

The Health Ministry has said it will procure 10 million doses of JE vaccines by next year.

Avian flu was also discussed, with Singh asking for a meeting with states and concerned ministries next week.

“A special presentation was made on the Rural Health Mission and the PM expressed his satisfaction,” said Ramadoss, whose ministry apprised Singh of its plan to launch a health insurance scheme under the Mission.