LUCKNOW, June 11 -- With an aim to obtain accurate data on childbirths in private hospitals, the Lucknow health administration has begun collecting detailed information on every delivery, along with mother and child immunisation records. The move comes after Uttar Pradesh governor Anandiben Patel expressed concern over the declining birth rate of girl children in the state.

"Private hospitals are now required to report the exact number of childbirths and maternity-related activities through the hospital management information system (HMIS) portal," Yogesh Raghuwanshi, district health and education information officer (DHEIO) at the office of chief medical office (CMO), said on Wednesday.

He added that the system would help monitor the m...