126 infant deaths in five months, in Karnataka's Davangere district who is to blame?

Davangere: Despite having good medical facilities, a total of 126 infant deaths have been reported in Davangere district in the past five months (April 2014 to August of this year). Davangere and Harapanahalli taluks have reported the highest number of infant deaths- 33 and 32 deaths respectively while only three infant deaths were reported from Harihar taluk over the past five months.

A total of 28 deaths were reported from Channagiri taluk whereas 20 infants have died in Honnali taluk and 10 deaths were reported from Jagalur taluk of the district. The Infant mortality rate (IMR) is nine deaths per 1000 live births in the district. Very less infant deaths were reported in the district as compared to the national average, assert sources in the district health department while trying to downplay the deaths.

This apart, a total of seven maternal deaths were reported in the district in the past five months. Mother mortality rate (MMR) in the district is 51 deaths per lakh women and a total of 66 children (1-5 years) have died in the district. The total live births in the district over the past five months are 13,725 births.

Congenital deaths, pre-birth and low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome, maternal complications during pregnancy among others are the reason for the infant mortality deaths. Infant mortality rate has come down drastically in recent times after awareness created on institutional delivery instead of home delivery, said district health and family welfare officer Dr. H.D. Vishwanath.