Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said the state has achieved a “historic” public health milestone as Assam’s Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) dropped to 84, going below the national average of 88 for the first time.
Describing the achievement as one of the most emotional moments of his public life, Sarma recalled that when he took charge of the Health Department in 2006, Assam’s MMR stood at 480, making the present milestone appear almost impossible at the time.
The chief minister credited doctors, nurses, ASHA workers, health officials and frontline healthcare personnel across the state for the achievement, saying their tireless efforts over the years made the transformation possible.
“Behind this number are countless mothers who returned safely home to their families. Behind this success are years of sacrifice, sleepless nights and an unwavering commitment to save lives,” Sarma stated in a post.
He said the development reflected years of sustained effort and collective commitment towards strengthening healthcare services in Assam and expressed gratitude to all health workers involved in reducing maternal deaths in the state.