Family planning programme in a humanistic way stressed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 26 2019: While observing that the rising number of caesarian/surgical births, low usage of modern contraceptive methods and less cases of female sterilization, are the main challenges in implementing family planning programme in the North East region and the country as a whole, Family Planning Division (MOHFW), GoI Deputy Commissioner Dr SK Sikhar has underscored the importance of implementing family planning programme in a humanistic and holistic manner.

Speaking as the chief guest during the 'One Day Regional Review Meeting of Family planning Programme' which was jointly organized by MOHFW, GoI, State Health Society, NHM and Health & Family Welfare Services, Manipur, at Hotel Classic Grande, Chingmeirong, the Deputy Commissioner claimed that the number of Caesarean delivery in all the North East capitals is usually high just like in the other parts of India and informed that the rate of caesarian section in some of the private hospitals even stand at 100 percent.

Family planning programme in a humanistic way stressed

Expressing concern on the rising number of caesarian delivery, Sikhar contended that it is not desirable and justifiable to adopt caesarian operation when it comes to every child delivery case.

The kind of family planning programme that is being rolled out in the country is not satisfactory and the authorities concerned need to work on a humanistic and holistic manner, he added.

Asserting that family planning is not merely a population control measure, but rather an initiative to improve the health of mothers and babies, the Deputy Commissioner asked all parents to maintain appropriate age gap between child deliveries.

Further claiming that 23,000 mothers were able to be saved last year because of implementation of family planning initiative, he said that the rate of maternal mortality and morbidity in the country is high.

He also stressed on the need of ensuring that the people have access to public health services in the State and country while pointing out that the usage of modern contraceptive methods in North East States is quite low.

Saying that the State has a high number of needs, Sikhar delved on the need for giving proper counselling regarding usage of modern contraceptive methods.

He then opined that family planning programme will not be effective without working on the actual data.

On the other hand, Principal Secretary (Health) V Vumlunmang observed that health and wellness centres have become a primary focus area when it comes to matter of public health services.

He continued that health and wellness centres can be used as a good platform for effective implementation of family planning programmes.

Conveying that 39 health and wellness centres are presently functioning in different parts of the State with the family planning related activities like immunization being carried out in a routine manner, he said that efforts are on to increase the health and wellness centres to 100.He also urged the authorities concerned of the Health and Wellness Centres to build a strong relationship with the population in their respective jurisdictions so that family planning related matters can be easily convinced and pushed to the common populace whenever needed.

The function was also attended by Health & Family Welfare Director Dr K Rajo and State Mission Director, State Health Society, National Health Mission, Manipur Dr S Manikanta as the guests of honour.