KHUJAND, February 5, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- 1,183 newborn deaths were registered in the Sughd province in 2009, which is 149 cases, or 20 percent, more than in 2008, the Sughd health directorate said.

Besides, 20 cases of maternity death during delivery were registered in the province last year, which is one case more than in 2008.

“All these cases were discussed at meetings of medical councils of cities and districts as well as the regional health directorate and appropriate decisions on improvement of medical services in maternity houses were adopted,” the source said.

In the meantime, more than 60,000 babies were born in Sughd last year, which is 4,578 babies more than in 2008.