Guwahati, May 9 -- Assam has made significant strides in improving maternal and child health, as the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) report reveals a major reduction in the state's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR).

The MMR has dropped from 195 to 167 deaths per 100,000 live births, a remarkable 28-point decline, marking the highest reduction among all states for the 2019-2021 period.

This decline brings Assam closer to improving its position, although it still holds the second-highest MMR among Indian states, just behind Madhya Pradesh (175). The national MMR for 2019-2021 is 93 deaths per 100,000 live births.

In addition to the MMR improvement, Assam also reported a positive change in its Infant Mortality Rate (IMR). The state's...