Starting on June 27 and lasting until July 10, the second part of the Population Stabilisation Fortnight will concentrate on community mobilisation.
‘Sarathi Vahan’ and ‘Saas-Beta-Bahu Sammelan,’ among other events, would be arranged by the Yogi government during this time to educate the public about the value of family planning. After thereafter, from July 11 to July 24, the third half of the fortnight will be observed.
“During this, consultations on various family planning methods (basket of choice) will be provided at all health units, and these methods will be made available to eligible and willing beneficiaries,” according to a press release.
The Health Department is always striving to stabilise the population and expedite family welfare initiatives.
“World Population Day, celebrated annually on July 11, aims to increase societal awareness about population stabilization. In this context, Principal Secretary of Medical, Health, and Family Welfare Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma has issued a letter with necessary guidelines to all District Magistrates and Chief Medical Officers in the state,” the release stated.
Dr Pinky Jovel, Mission Director of the National Health Mission, stated that Population Fortnight is celebrated annually with active participation from officials, health workers, and the community.
“Numerous family welfare programs are also conducted during this time. These efforts have led to a decrease in the state’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR), as evidenced by the National Family Health Survey. According to NFHS-5 (2019-20), the TFR is 2.4, down from 2.7 in NFHS-4 (2015-16),” as per the release.
The initial phase of Population Stabilization Fortnight began on June 1 and will run until June 20. During this period, preparations are underway to motivate targeted couples and effectively implement service delivery activities.
“Efforts include capacity building for service providers, ensuring a supply of family planning methods, and fostering coordination between various departments,” the release stated.
This year’s slogan for Population Fortnight is ‘Viksit Bharat ki Nayi Pehchan, Parivar Niyojan Har Dampati Ki Shaan’ and the theme is ‘Right time and gap of pregnancy for the health of mother and child’.
“Dr Suryansh Ojha, General Manager of the Family Welfare Program, emphasized that the program is focused on encouraging the community to adopt modern family planning methods, training health workers, and enhancing the Family Planning Logistic Management Information System (FPLMIS) portal,” as per the release.
This portal is crucial in inspecting and managing family planning materials and resources at all levels. Districts are encouraged to introduce innovative ideas during the fortnight.
“To ensure the smooth operation of the family welfare program in districts, it has been decided that counselors from other programs will be trained and equipped to take on these responsibilities in areas without a dedicated family planning counselor,” the release stated.
Temporary family planning methods include the quarterly contraceptive injection Antara, the weekly contraceptive pill Chhaya, postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices (PPIUCD), post-abortion intrauterine contraceptive devices (PAIUCD), Copper T, Mala-N, emergency contraceptive pills (ECP), and condoms.
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