The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : ‘Maternity picnics’ to attract more pregnant women

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Sunday, Mar 23, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

‘Maternity picnics’ to attract more pregnant women

Shastry V. Mallady

The concept was introduced in 1,300-odd PHCs
A massive programme to show that PHCs have become people-friendly

MADURAI: The Health Department has introduced a new concept called ‘maternity picnics’ in its network of 1,300-odd Primary Health Centres (PHC) in the State to attract more pregnant women for deliveries.

It is organising a ‘tour’ for all pregnant woman to the local PHC to make them aware of recent improvements made in maternal and general health care.

“This initiative is taken by the Department of Public Health to make them see for themselves the facilities available in a PHC and instil a sense of ownership and belonging among them,” S. Elango, Additional Director of Public Health, told The Hindu on Saturday. As part of the exercise, health officials in all districts have been asked to organise ‘pregnant woman’s day’ to invite women to PHCs in their areas not just for a visit but also undergo all medical investigations/regular check-up. During their visit, the women could interact with doctors/nurses and see the scan facility, labour room and 24-hour care centre.

According to Dr. Elango, “it is a massive programme to show that PHCs have become people-friendly. By looking at the facilities and staff, the women would get confidence and voluntarily prefer to deliver children at Government health institutions.”

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