Artist Prajapati, was performing the role of mother who lost her infant daughter. [break]
The artist was portraying a mother who had suffered one miscarriage after another and was in mental trauma. She then approached Rajendra Mahato, the minister for health and population and asked what he would do to save hundreds of children, who are dying untimely.
"I have seen you on television. You must be a big man. Please don´t tell a lie. Ok," Prajapati pleaded before Mahato.
"You know, my daughter has died? What will you do to save our daughters? I will stay put right in front of you until you make a commitment. Tell me what you will do to save them?" she pressed.
Minister Mahato, who watched the whole performance, was unable to utter any word of consolation or commitment.
The artists of Sarbanam group were highlighting the challenge of saving newborn babies in Nepal.
A government report disseminated during the program showed that each year 20,000 children die within 28 days of their birth.
The report claims that the rate of infant death is higher among marginalized and backward families. From the year 2000 to 2010, neonatal mortality declined by 30 percent, though the recent survey shows no progress has been made since since the past five years.
The MoHP has launched newborn care package in 10 districts and aimed to expand the program in additional 35 districts in the year 2012.
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