Rs 13 crore allotted for women and children hospitals

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For the development of women and children hospitals in the state, the health department has sanctioned Rs 13 crore. The funds have been sanctioned for purchasing new equipment and for improving infrastructure, said health minister K K Shailaja.

As part of this, modern and disposable delivery and caesarean kits, infusion pump, non-pneumatic anti-shock garment - a first-aid device used to stabilise women who are suffering from obstetric haemorrhage and shock - foetal monitor, multi-parameter monitor, delivery set, portable spot light, labour suit and incubator will be purchased in all the women and children hospitals.

The equipment are being purchased in a bid to bring down the infant mortality rate and maternal mortality rate. The state had recently received the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan for the lowest maternal mortality rate in the country, the minister said.

The government is improving the facilities of the women and children hospitals across the state with the ultimate aim of bringing down the infant mortality rate. Apart from this, now more and more hospitals upto taluk-level are offering delivery facilities.