NRHM to popularise pregnant mother's scheme in Kozhikode

The district National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) is planning to launch a special drive to popularize the Union government-funded Janani Sishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) that has been introduced in eight selected government hospitals in the district.

The hospitals have been rendering free service to pregnant women opting for both normal delivery and C-section and free services up to 30 days for new-borns. In Kozhikode, the scheme is introduced at the Institute of Maternity and Child Health, Kottaparamba Women and Child Hospital, Beach General hospital, Perambra , Kuttiyadi, Thamarassery and Koyilanday Taluk Hospitals and Vadakara District Hospital.

The NRHM here has entrusted 2,050 Accredited Social Health Activists (Asha) workers and 750 health staff to popularize the scheme especially in rural and urban areas where people have not aware of the scheme. Asha workers will conduct door-to-door campaign to create awareness among women about the scheme.

"The facility is available to both Above Poverty Line and Below Poverty Line families. The Union ministry aims at making the infant mortality and maternal mortality rates zero within five years," said NRHM district project manager Dr A Baburaj. "The Beach General Hospital and Kottaparamba Women and Child Hospital have started getting more patients within a month after the project has been launched.

source:http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-14/kozhikode/34448400_1_pregnant-women-nrhm-maternal-mortality-rates