Mysuru: “Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in India is higher when compared to developed countries of the world. In many of the cases death of infants can be prevented if necessary precautions are taken by the parents and physicians in the country,” said Mysuru District Deputy Commissioner C Shikha. The Deputy Commissioner was speaking at the inaugural session of free baby kit distribution programme organised by Mahavir International (Royals), a non religious social service organisation at Mysuru for the new born babies at KR Hospital in the city.

“IMR is higher in North Indian states if we compare them with South India. The people, especially those who are residing in rural areas of the country should be educated on infant mortality and measures required to prevent it. Delivery at a medical institution or hospital is only the solution to reduce infant mortality rate in the country,” she said.

Speaking on ‘108 medicare ambulance service’ introduced by health department in Karnataka she noted “the 108 service has made a big difference in reducing infant mortality in the state and Mysuru district.”

Mysore Medical College Dean Dr Krishna Murthy speaking to the gathering said “due to administrative hurdles at the hospital the newborns don’t get baby kits supplied by the state government on time. Jain community association Mahavir International is helping us in the distribution of baby kits and their service is appreciated.”

He noted the fact that the first 24 hours of a new born plays a crucial role. In the initial 24 hours they need necessary medical care from their parents and medicare service providers like nurses, doctors and others according to the physical condition of the new born baby.

As many as 1200 baby kits will be supplied to the new born child at the hospital for a period of one month. Cheluvamba Hospital Medical Director Dr Radhamani, Mahavir International (Royals) president Hithesh, members of Jain community, hospital staff, physicians and others were present on the occasion.