Maharashtra: Maternal mortality dips by 19 points in 2 years

On the occasion, Patil told mediapersons that currently the maternal mortality rate was 68 deaths per one lakh live births in the state and Maharashtra ranked second after Kerala in the country in lowering the maternal mortality rate. The maternal mortality rate in the country is 167 maternal deaths per one lakh live births.

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“Programmes like the folic acid supplementation programme, the promotion of menstrual hygiene scheme and the setting up of 329 Maitri clinics to address issues related to adolescent reproductive and sexual health have been taken up. Updating records of pregnant women and following up on dates for their health check-ups, apart from addressing medical ailments like hypertension, are being done,” Patil said. Now pregnant women can even select their ‘birth companion’, a friend, neighbour or relative to provide support during labour. The number of deliveries at institutions had also increased and schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana had played a key role in that, Patil added.

State’s population rises to 11.23 crore

On the occasion of World Population Day on July 11, the state family welfare bureau will observe a population stabilisation fortnight. From July 11 to 24, family planning and health camps will be held at villages across the state. This year’s theme is ‘invest in teenage girls’ and the state family welfare bureau officials have urged city residents to avail benefits under Savitribai Phule Kalyan Paritoshik Yojana. Under the scheme, families living below the poverty line are assured monetary benefits under the National Savings Certificate scheme, if they decide on family planning measures after the birth of one or two girls. While there has been a rise in the population of the state from 9.68 crore to 11.23 crore, the total fertility rate — the average number of children to be born to a woman during her lifetime — is 1.8. Officials said that they were targeting 50,000 vasectomies this year. Last year, there were 21,000 vasectomies across state vis a vis 4.8 lakh sterilisations, they added.

ORS centres to be set up across state

Diarrhoea is the third leading cause of childhood mortality in the country and an intensified diarrhoea control fortnight will be observed by the state from July 11 to 23 . An information education and communication campaign with posters explaining the basic tips of hand washing, hygiene and other measures, will be taken up to prevent diarrhoea. The Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers will visit each house and give a packet of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and zinc tablets as supplementation found effective in reducing duration and severity of diarrhoeal episodes. ORS-zinc centres will be set up at anganwadis, primary health centres, rural hospitals and health institutions to target children below five years of age.

State to supply repackaged condoms

Condoms have got a visual facelift as the state has now come out with attractively designed packs to be sold for Rs 1 per piece. As part of the safe sex campaign, the Nirodh condoms often have a text-heavy display and are a turn-off for most couples, according to officials. Officials said that they would be making door-to-door visits as part of the population control strategy.