Save Girl Child campaign a success: Modi

Ahmedabad, Aug 19 (UNI) Chief Minister Narendra Modi today claimed that his government-sponsored campaign against female foeticide, 'Save Girl Child', was a success in Gujarat.

''As a result of this campaign, the birth rate of girl child has increased from 802 per thousand births in 2006 to 870 this year.

And, with stringent law and frequent raids on clinics conducting sonography test, we have managed to reduce the rates of female foeticide considerably in the state,'' he said. while inaugurating a free medical camp here in Maninagar area here.

Talking about his government-run cleanliness drive of 'Nirmal Gujarat', he said ''Through Nirmal Gujarat campaign, we have been able to reduce the spread of water-borne diseases during this monsoon by 30 per cent as compared to the previous years. It aims to ensure health care at subsidised rates for the poor in the state.'' ''With the setting up of Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH), we are also taking strides in the international health sector,'' he said while referring to the proposed project of IIPH to be undertaken by the state government in partnership with the Central government.

Among those present at the function included Gujarat Tourism Corporation president Kamlesh Patel, Kesar Saal Hospital president Rajendra Shah, BJP legislator Pradipsingh Jadeja and health experts.

UNI