The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Second phase to cover entire Tamil Nadu

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Nov 28, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Second phase to cover entire Tamil Nadu

By Shastry V. Mallady

MADURAI, NOV. 26. The World Bank will release a substantial grant for Tamil Nadu for the second phase of the Reproductive and Child Health Project to be implemented from April 1 next. The first phase, implemented only in Madurai and Theni districts, will be expanded to the entire State, the World Bank health sector specialist, Khama O. Rogo, said here yesterday.

"The funds this time will not be less than what was sanctioned for Tamil Nadu earlier," he told The Hindu after reviewing the first phase.

Under the first phase of the maternal and child health project, Tamil Nadu received around Rs. 90 crores and Health department authorities estimate that the World Bank grant for the second phase will be around Rs. 300 crores.

Mr. Rogo said the bank was negotiating with the Centre the allocation required for this national project. "Tamil Nadu should get fresh funds by March next year."

The five-year first phase was completed in March this year. Priority areas were reduction of maternal and child mortality and improving the health delivery system in primary health centres (PHCs) in the two districts.

Pat for good work

"The money is coming from the World Bank. There is clear evidence of good work done in the State," said Mr. Rogo, who interacted with the health officials and patients. Mother and child health was an important area for the bank projects and the success of phase-I led to the expansion. "Tamil Nadu is one of the better doing States in India in the health sector. It naturally deserves the second phase."

The first phase included improvements in both infrastructure and health programmes in villages. Construction of new buildings for PHCs and health sub-centres and improvement of operation theatres were taken up. Also, awareness programmes, equipment and training to staff in the RCHs were provided.

Mr. Rogo visited Theni, Andipatti, Madurai, Chellampatti, Periyakulam, K. Kallupatti and Chekkanoorani.

The Deputy Director of Health Services (in-charge), C. Sekar, and Health department officials briefed him on the implementation of the project.

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