Ampati : The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matriva Abhiyan (PMSMA) was today launched at an elaborate gathering organized by the department of Health and Family Welfare at Betasing C&RD Block in South West Garo Hills for the district.
The PMSMA, a new scheme and an initiative of the government of India aims at ensuring quality Ante Natal Care (ANC) for women especially during the 2nd and 3rd trimester.
In order to improve the quality and coverage of Ante Natal Care for women a special ANC clinic will be opened on the ninth of every month at every health care facility or centre under the scheme. The clinic will give thorough clinical and laboratory examination including counseling to expecting mothers who are in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters. These facilities will be given free of cost and anyone who may have missed an opportunity to visit the clinic can always avail the same facility during normal week days at their respective health centres.
During the programme the Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight (IDCF) was also launched and World Population Day observed.
The IDCF which will start from 11th July to 23rd July aims at intensifying efforts to achieve zero child mortality due to diarrhea. During the fortnight ASHA’s, ANM’s and Medical Officers will focus on diarrhea control related activities and child & infant feeding practices through trainings on IDCF at various levels.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Betasing Block Development Officer (BDO) A G Momin stated that the scheme was essential in safeguarding the lives of expectant mothers and their unborn children. He urged the gathering to avail the facilities being provided by the government through the medical department. Speaking on diarrhea the BDO stated that that the disease was an alarming problem in the region and that the IDCF would help in drastically reducing diarrhea related child mortality.
On world population Momin informed the gathering that as the world was being overpopulated day by day there was a need to mitigate the problem. He advised the gathering to practice family planning and seek the help of professional doctors. The BDO stressed on using natural family planning methods and urged everyone to take the message home and share it.
Earlier while addressing the gathering, South West Garo Hills District Medical & Health Officer Dr Kona Sangma stressed on adequate family planning to mitigate over population. She informed that anyone opting for sterilization could come to Ampati CHC from 11th July to 24th July 2016. The procedure will be carried out by surgeons from Tura she added. The DM&HO also informed that other kinds of measures for family planning like contraceptive pills etc would be distributed during those days.
During the day a song and a skit sensitizing people on ante natal care was presented by Sachin Marak and Betasing ASHAs respectively,
Among others who spoke at the gathering were former MDC Dewansing Sangma, Zikzak CDPO M T Sangma and Dr Finlay Marak.
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