Guwahati, May 26: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on May 26 announced that the state has achieved what he described as a historic public health milestone, with Assam’s Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) declining to 84, falling below the national average of 88 for the first time.
Sharing his reaction, the Chief Minister said the development marked one of the most emotional moments of his public life. He recalled that when he took charge of the Health Department in 2006, Assam’s Maternal Mortality Rate stood at 480, making the goal of achieving such a reduction appear extremely difficult at the time.
Sarma credited the achievement to the efforts of doctors, nurses, ASHA workers, health officials and frontline healthcare personnel across the state, saying their dedication and years of work played a crucial role in transforming Assam’s healthcare indicators.
“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,” he said.
The Chief Minister stated that the decline in maternal deaths reflected sustained efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and services across Assam. He also expressed gratitude to healthcare workers and frontline staff for their contribution towards improving maternal healthcare outcomes in the state.
The development marks a significant milestone for Assam, which had historically recorded some of the highest maternal mortality figures in the country.
