Rajasthan government signs MoUs to reduce neonatal morality rates

The Rajasthan government signed three MoUs to leverage technology to reduce maternal and early neonatal mortality rates, and enhance health services in the state.The government signed an memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Reliance Foundation, Tata Trusts and USAID for implementing Project ASMAN to reduce of maternal and early neonatal mortality rates in Ajmer, Bhilwara, Jhalawar and Kota districts, an official release quoting Rajasthan Health Minister Kalicharan Saraf said here.

Quality health care services and high delivery rate will also be ensured at community and primary health centres through the project, he said.

“Project ASMAN also aims to provide technology-based interventions,” Saraf said.

The minister said an MoU was also signed between the government and Cairn Foundation for improving emergency delivery services in Barmer district.

Under it, round-the-clock facilities will be available at first referral units (FRUs) in Baytoo, Sindari, Dhorimanna and Baloratra, he said.

The Foundation would provide such services at 25 more FRUs in other districts in the future, Saraf said.

The government signed a third MoU with another company for improving family planning activities in the state, the release said.

Principal Secretary Health Veenu Gupta, Additional Mission Director B L Kothari, Director of Public Health and Family Welfare Dr V K Mathur were present at the event.

Umesh Bhandari from Reliance Foundation, Mahendra Yadav from Cairn foundation and B S Taraporevala from Tata Trusts represented their respective organisations.