Maharashtra: Deliver at a govt hospital and get Rs 800

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Maharashtra-Deliver-at-a-govt-hospital-and-get-Rs-800/articleshow/4203605.cms

MUMBAI: The state government has decided to give Rs 800 as cash incentive to pregnant women who deliver at a civic or government hospital. The
idea, said government officials, is to not only reduce maternal mortality rate, but also to increase the number of safe deliveries at hospitals.

The ‘Matrutva Anudan Yojana’, which is being implemented under the National Rural Health
Misson, is already applicable.

“All pregnant women, irrespective of caste, creed and income groups, will be given Rs 800 (Rs 400 for medicines, calcium and multi-vitamin pills and another Rs 400 for the institutional delivery),’’ said Chandra Iyengar, additional chief secretary, public health and family welfare department.

Although the sum is not too high, experts feel it will go some way in promoting safe deliveries as against deliveries at home. Childbirth at home runs a high risk of both the mother and child contracting an infection. State surveys have shown that 60 % pregnant women opt for institutional deliveries. According to a government report, the maternal mortality ratio in India is 407 per 1,00,000 live berths, while in Maharashtra the figure is 149.

Secretary and commissioner of family welfare Vandana Krishna said, “Within the next five years, we are hoping to get 90% of pregnant women to register for an institutional delivery.’’ Asked why there is no law to prevent deliveries at home, Krishna said, “More than legislation, it is the mindset that needs to change.’’

Earlier, under the ‘Janani Suraksha Yojana’, only pregnant women from SC\ST or below poverty line families were given Rs 700 as compensation for delivering at government hospitals. Welcoming the move, MP Supriya Sule, however, noted that only monetary help will not work. “To overcome maternal and infant mortality, we need more primary health centres, better approach roads to hospitals and development of infrastructure in rural areas,’’ she said.

Terming the cash incentive as “insignificant’’, health activist Ravi Duggal said, “The benefits given to women working in organised sectors should be given to all pregnant women in the country.’’