About seven dzongkhags in the country haven’t been able to achieve the infant mortality rate.
The health ministry had targeted zero infant mortality rate even though the Millennium Development Goal’s target is 30 for every 1,000 live births.
“It was our mistake,” said health minister, Tandin Wangchuk.
However, he says Bhutan has achieved the target.
Bhutan has been able to decrease the infant mortality rate by a half in the last 15 years.
Infant mortality rate decreased from 60 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 30, last year.
“Bhutan has achieved the target compared to other countries in South Asia,” said Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk.
Some of the challenges in bringing the number down include late reporting to nearby hospitals and lack of awareness on antenatal checkups in some of the villages.
“One reason for the establishment of Basic Health Unit (BHU) all over the country is to address these issues,” said the minister.
Bhutan currently has 180 BHUs.
Maternal and under-five mortality rate has also decreased compared to past years.
Including the infant mortality rate, the health ministry has achieved almost all health related indicators in the Millennium Development Goals.
