Adopting stringent measures to tackle the growing population especially focusing on nine districts of the State that register high fertility rate in comparison to the national average rate 2.4, the Department of Health and Family Welfare has come up with basket of choices system besides creating awareness through ANMs, Sahiyas for population control. Experts mentioned that under different schemes, all high fertility districts (HFDs) at the moment need special attention primarily covering antenatal care.
According to the government of India (GoI) report, Pakur, lohardaga, Gumla, Garhwa, West Singhbhum, Godda, Chatra, Sahibganj and Dumka has been placed in HFDs section. Notably, the total fertility rate (TFR) of these districts is three or more than three. The fortnightly family planning campaign initiated on the occasion of World Population Day also aims to sensitise every individual besides imparting knowledge about various ongoing schemes.
In an attempt to eliminate myths and misconceptions about different precautionary methods, recently two new practices, a non-steroidal contraceptive pill, Chhaya and injectable contraceptive, Antara has been introduced in the basket of family planning system under the Mission Parivaar Vikash project. Special provisions have been made under HFD compensation scheme and additional activities have been introduced.
“Though we have been successful in reducing the fertility rate but yet we are still far from the target of achieving replacement level of fertility (2.1). The total fertility rate (TFR) in India is 2.2 as per the National Family Health Report-4. Ironically, lohardaga and Pakur has recorded 3.8, the highest TFR among all the districts of the State,” said, Nodal Officer (Family Planning), RK Singh.
Several experts present during the family planning campaign launch programme cited that though some other family planning indicators are slowly improving but unmet need of the State is still high 13.1 in comparison to national average 12.1 as per NFHS-4 report. “Few basic objectives of family planning are to reduce unmet need, maternal mortality rate and increase access to family planning services. The dimension has been widened under Mission Parivaar Project. Our target is to reach at 2.1 replacement level by 2030,” said, Project Director, National Health Mission, Kripanand Jha.
Director Health Services, Dr. Sumant Mishra said that despite of introducing the family planning concept way back, we have failed in curtailing the population rate. “Besides East Singhbhum, that records 2.2 TFR, nine districts of the State even now need special attention. The campaign which will continue till July 23, besides government hospitals involvement, it also encourages private hospitals for MoU in PPP mode for sterilization and Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) services. Those encouraging public to adopt birth control methods will be entitled to all benefits and compensation under the scheme as per the norms.”