A latest survey released by a government organization paints a grim picture on country’s national capital, New Delhi.

As per the Delhi Economic Survey (2008-2009), the number of children dying within the first year of birth has almost doubled during the past two years in New Delhi.

The figures which were tabled in the Delhi Legislative Assembly recently disclosed that the infant mortality rate (IMR) in 2007 was 25.4 deaths per 1,000 children under one year old, compared with 12.9 in 2006 and 18.1 in 2005.
 
The report said that the national capital’s IMR is better than the national average of 55 per 1,000, the 2007 figure rebounded to the level of 2001, when the figure stood at 24.5.

The report further added that the government is spending less on health sector as compared to previous two years.

Speaking on the report, Dr Sudha Prasad, senior doctor at LNJPN Hospital said: “There are various reasons for the rising mortality rate number one being the lack of education of the parents, especially the mother. The socio-economic profile of the mother makes it extremely hard for them to concentrate on one child, since most have a large brood of children. Many times the parents can’t even diagnose the symptoms properly, failing to bring the children in time for treatment”.