In a commendable initiative undertaken by the local administration, about 358 pregnant women have been adopted in the Uttara Kannada district and are receiving frequent health examinations, wholesome food, and medication. This is the first time ever that a district in Karnataka has adopted pregnant women, offering them medical attention and support during a crucial time in their lives.
The motive behind the district’s Women and Child Welfare Department to adopt expectant mothers, is to reduce the death rate of women pre-delivery and post-pregnancy. Women enrolled under the National Health Mission Scheme who are pregnant, are adopted by higher ranking officials in the district. Under the adoption programme, officials look after expectant mothers until the time of delivery.
Additionally, they provide care for the infants, by keeping in constant contact with medical professionals and health workers such as ASHA.
In Uttara Kannada, the rate of childhood malnutrition is significantly lower in comparison to areas of Karnataka that are severely affected by drought.
Gangubai Mankar, the deputy commissioner for Uttara Kannada wants to eradicate malnutrition among newborns and their mothers by making provision for solid food, eggs, milk and calcium tablets, among other things such as regular vaccination for the newborns and monitoring their health status.
Image source: The Mint