The Health and Family Welfare Department of South Salmara Mankachar District has achieved a remarkable milestone in increasing institutional deliveries, reflecting a concerted effort to improve the region's maternal and child healthcare services. A detailed analysis of the delivery trends over the last five years showcases a steady decline in home deliveries and a dramatic rise in institutional deliveries, underscoring the district's commitment to ensuring safer childbirth.

Source: HMIS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GOI

Key Highlights from the Report

●        Institutional Deliveries Surge: The percentage of institutional deliveries has seen a remarkable increase from 47% in FY 2020-21 to 89% by December FY 2024-25.

●        Reduction in Home Deliveries: Total home deliveries have significantly declined from 5,567 in FY 2020-21 to just 737 as of December FY 2024-25, indicating enhanced trust in healthcare facilities.

●        Skilled Birth Attendant (SBA) Involvement: Deliveries attended by SBAs have increased from 15% in FY 2020-21 to 31% in FY 2024-25 (up to December), reflecting enhanced training and capacity building of healthcare workers.

Graphical Trends Reflect Positive Change

The report is accompanied by compelling graphical evidence, showcasing the stark decline in home deliveries and a corresponding increase in institutional deliveries. The proactive measures the district administration and health department implement are clearly bearing fruit.

Strategies Behind the Success

This achievement has been possible due to the unwavering efforts of healthcare professionals, including the ASHA workers, ANMs, and medical officers, under the guidance of the district administration. Key initiatives include:

●        Strengthened awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of institutional deliveries.

●        Improved accessibility and quality of healthcare infrastructure across the district.

●        Robust training programs for SBAs and healthcare providers to ensure safe childbirth practices.

●        Consistent monitoring and evaluation of maternal and child healthcare indicators.

Ahead of the Curve

In comparison to other districts in Assam, South SalmaraMankachar's achievement is particularly noteworthy. While Assam has made significant strides in maternal healthcare, with institutional deliveries increasing from just over 80% a decade ago to 95% in 2023-24

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South SalmaraMankachar has surpassed this state average by reaching 89% institutional deliveries by December FY 2024-25. This positions the district as a leader in the state, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted healthcare initiatives and community engagement in improving maternal and child health outcomes.

A Vision for the Future

The District Commissioner (Health), Kumar Gaurab Das, has reiterated his commitment to achieving 100% institutional deliveries in the coming years. The current trends and achievements serve as an encouraging benchmark for other districts in Assam to emulate. Supporting this vision, he stated, “Our success so far reflects the dedication of our health teams and the trust of our community. Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen our efforts to ensure that no mother or child is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.”

Building on this momentum, the district aims to achieve 100% institutional deliveries in the coming years. The focus will now shift toward sustaining the progress by enhancing healthcare infrastructure, improving last-mile connectivity, and addressing gaps in remote and underserved areas. Strengthening postnatal care, ensuring regular training for healthcare workers, and further community sensitization will remain priorities.  The district’s health department also plans to leverage technology and data-driven approaches to monitor progress and address emerging challenges, ensuring that every mother and child receives quality healthcare services.

Leadership Speaks

Speaking on this achievement, the Joint Director of Health Services, South SalmaraMankachar, Dr.Minhaz Choudhury lauded the dedication of the entire healthcare team. "This success is a testament to the collective effort of our healthcare workers and the trust placed in us by the community. We are determined to sustain and further improve these results," he said.

The South Salmara Mankachar Health Department has set an exemplary precedent in maternal and child health, showcasing how a data-driven approach combined with grassroots engagement can yield transformative outcomes.