In Assam, the health department will launch “Janani Shishu Suraksha” programme to improve the health condition of pregnant women and newborn babies. Talking to AIR, state NRHM Mission Director, Prateek Hajela said that the proposed scheme would provide for free transport, diet, drugs and diagnostics to all pregnant women and sick newborns across the state. The programme will be launched on the 30th of this month.The scheme is likely to promote institutional delivery and eliminate out-of-pocket expenses which act as a barrier in seeking institutional care. The state has recorded over 66 per cent institutional deliveries. The implementation of the scheme is likely to decrease, Maternal Mortality Rate, MMR and Infant Mortality Rate, IMR. Assam has recorded 381 MMR and 58 IMR against per 1000 live births, as per official data.Keeping in mind that low birth weight is related to poor maternal nutrition and lack of ante-natal care, it is proposed to provide free diet to pregnant women. The immunization of new born will also be taken care of under the programme. State NRHM reports said that a total of 70 per cent children below one year have been fully immunized. Their number is also likely to increase once the programme is launched.