Govt to launch 1,000 Day-care Scheme

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 11

To control the infant and maternal mortality rate, the Health Department will launch a 1,000 Day-care Scheme. The beneficiaries will benefit starting from pregnancy till the immunisation of the child is completed.

This comprehensive mother and child care programme has been covered under the Vision-2018 of the state government. It will include providing quality ANC check up at least three times to pregnant women, nutrition supplements and tracking of high-risk pregnancies.

Under this programme, ASHA workers will register pregnant women and take them to health centres for checking in each trimester. All vaccines will be given to pregnant women. Attention will also be paid to the haemoglobin level of expecting mothers throughout the pregnancy and necessary medication will also be provided.

Special attention will be paid to their diet. If any woman is under the high-risk category then arrangements to get her referred from the health centre will be made in advance. Full record of pregnant women will be kept by ASHA workers.

Dr Sneh Lata, working at one of the government health centre, said, “This 1,000 day comprehensive care plan of the mother and child by the state government will prove helpful to women especially those living in the rural areas.”

“Most women living in villages do not go for proper tests and scans and with the Health Department taking the responsibility, I am sure things will definitely improve,” she added.

Health Minister Brahm Mohindra said, “The Vision 2018 of the state government includes the 1,000 day comprehensive health care of a pregnant woman and her child. This will help in curbing infant and maternal mortality rate.”

What the scheme envisages

• ASHA workers will register pregnant women and take them to health centres for checking in each trimester.
• ANC check up at least three times for pregnant women and providing nutrition supplements.
• All vaccines will be given to expecting women.
• Attention will also be paid to the haemoglobin level of expecting mothers throughout the pregnancy. 
• Necessary medication will also be provided. 
• Special attention will be paid to their diet.
• If any woman is under the high-risk category then arrangements to get her referred from the health centre will be made in advance.