Norwegian supports child health care in Orissa

Bhubaneswar, Dec 13 (UNI) As a part of Knowing India Partnership Initiative(NIPI), the Orissa government today signed an MoU with United Nationals Office for Project Services(UNOPS) for improving the neonatal care, a major concern of child healthcare in the state.

The MoU would be in force till March 2012 to carry out the activities on the neonatal care and implemented in four districts initially, but subsequently would cover all the 30 districts.

Out of Rs 400 crore budget under the scheme, Orissa's share would be around Rs 50 crore during the first year which is all likely to be enhanced to Rs 100 crore, NIPI Director P K Hota said.

The initiative would take a set of steps to improve the quality of services, rendered by the ASHA workers, at village level by strengthening their support needs and referral requirements.

Offiicial sources said the infant mortality is still considered high in Orissa with 75 death reported per thousand of which 40 died in the first month and 25 of them in the first week.

NIPI Director P K Hota and State Health Secretary Chinmaya Basu signed the MoU in presence of Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Duryadhan Majhi and Norwegian Ambassador to India Lasse Bjorn Johannessen and senior officials from the Health department.

UNI