With an aim to strengthen the family planning programme in Odisha, the Health and Family Welfare Department on Tuesday launched an injectable contraceptive plan called, ‘Antara Programme’.
Department Secretary Dr PK Meherda, Union Government’s FP Division Deputy Commissioner Dr SK Sikdar, Odisha NHM Director Shalini Pandit and Family Welfare Director Dr Binod Kumar Mishra were present.
Meherda said t the contraceptive under the Antara Prorgramme is highly effective and very convenient. It has been proved to be a very safe method of family planning in more than 130 countries around the world. It would also help women, who are not able to convince their partners, to use contraceptives.
Director Mishra said preparatory activities to roll out injectable have been completed. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is providing technical support in rolling out the injectables in Odisha. The injectable contraceptives have been procured by the country, he said.The injectable contraceptive is supposed to be used within a week from the day a woman’s menstrual cycle starts. Currently, the injections are available for free at public health facilities. The availability of the injections may help reduce the maternal mortality rate and infant mortality rate in the state. It has to be taken only once in every 3 months.