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 maternal and child healthcare services in the region.
A detailed analysis of 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.
The percentage of institutional deliveries has seen an impressive rise from 47% in FY 2020-21 to 89% by December FY 2024-25. This significant improvement highlights the growing trust in healthcare facilities.
Correspondingly, the number of home deliveries has decreased sharply, from 5,567 in FY 2020-21 to just 737 as of December FY 2024-25. Another notable achievement is the increase in deliveries attended by Skilled Birth Attendants (SBAs), which rose from 15% in FY 2020-21 to 31% in FY 2024-25.
This reflects the success of enhanced training and capacity-building programs for healthcare workers. Graphical evidence in the report vividly showcases these positive trends, with the stark decline in home deliveries accompanied by a marked increase in institutional deliveries.
These achievements result from the unwavering efforts of healthcare professionals, including ASHA workers, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and medical officers, under the guidance of the district administration. Strengthened awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of institutional deliveries have played a pivotal role.
Additionally, improved accessibility and quality of healthcare infrastructure across the district have made healthcare services more reliable. Robust training programs for healthcare providers have ensured safe childbirth practices, while consistent monitoring and evaluation of maternal and child healthcare indicators have driven sustained progress.
South Salmara Mankachar’s success is particularly noteworthy when compared to other districts in Assam. While the state has made significant strides in maternal healthcare, with institutional deliveries increasing from just over 80% a decade ago to 95% in 2023-24, South Salmara Mankachar has surpassed the 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.
The District Commissioner (Health), Kumar Gaurab Das, has reiterated his commitment to achieving 100% institutional deliveries in the coming years.
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 full institutional delivery coverage by focusing on sustaining progress. This includes 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 fostering community sensitization will remain priorities. The 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.
Speaking on this achievement, the Joint Director of Health Services, South Salmara Mankachar, 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.
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