RAMPUR (Palpa), Feb 25: The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has declined following the implementation of the Mother Security Program in various parts in Palpa. 

The number of women seeking to deliver their child at health institutes under observation of well-trained doctors and midwives has increased as a proof of the effectiveness of the program in the rural villages. 

The District Public Health Office (DPHO) has been running the program in the rural sector and the urban localities for the past five years which has contributed in lessening the IMR and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR).

The Mother Security Program has been running through a total of 25 health institutes in the district including District Hospital Palpa, Rampur Hospital, Lumbini Medical College, Tanhun and Khasyauli health centres and a slew of health posts, according to DPHO Information Official, Madhav Gyawali. The expectant mothers have been reportedly receiving cost-free treatment at these health institutes.

The health institutes under the aegis of DPHO have been providing Rs 400 for four times of prenatal check-ups and Rs 1000 each as travel fare for expectant mothers.

In the fiscal year 2014-15, a total of 6,500 pregnant women sought delivery service while in fiscal year 2015-16 the number of women seeking delivery service was 6,300 in those health institutes, the data showed. This has resulted in a sharp decline in IMR and MMR in the district. RSS 

 
• infant mortality rate
 
• declining