Vasectomy, though a minor surgical procedure, is the safest and most effective permanent birth control measure.
The observance of a Vasectomy Fortnight from Monday is aimed at revitalising male sterilisation for its better acceptance in community, said Health and Family Welfare Department Special Secretary Biswabhusan Pattnayak at a State-level launching of the Vasectomy Fortnight here on Monday.
There is a need to popularise vasectomy for family planning by creating awareness to dispel the myth and misconception regarding this method. Nowadays, nobody desires a big family, but more males should be convinced and the message should reach the public, said Pattnayak.
Health Director Binod Dash said that as the resources are limited, population control is necessary. But a mere 0.03 per cent vasectomy in the State indicates gender disparity. There are lots of misconceptions about it, like lack of sexual activity and weakness of the sole breadwinner of the family. The Government is giving an incentive of `2,000 to increase number of vasectomies.
Nursing Director Binod Bihari Mohapatra said that in tribal areas, the number of vasectomies is high, but it is very low in coastal areas. The media can play a vital role in creating awareness and removing the misconceptions.
Capital Hospital Director PK Acharya said population explosion is a big challenge and behaviour modification is a necessity. Health Services Director Kailash Ch Dash said failure in vasectomy is less than 0.2 per cent, and there are less complications.
Notably, the male sterilisation drive launched in 1952 has failed to achieve the desired goals even after 64 years. Reportedly, the programme has failed in 14 districts of the State. Koraput district has topped the drive as per the last four years’ statistics, followed by Rayagada, while Nuapada drew a blank.