Patna: With a view to spreading awareness about population control and the safety of pregnant women, Patna DM, Chandrashekhar Singh, on Monday flagged off 48 ‘Sarthi Rath‘ (e-rickshaws) to visit different areas of the district. The initiative was launched by the DM as a part of the family planning fortnight, which began on Monday and will continue till November 30.
The DM said the main goal of such programme is to raise awareness among the general public about family planning to reduce the Total Fertility Rate (TFR). Such programmes are crucial and effective in achieving this goal, he said.
“The 48 ‘Sarthi Rath’ will travel throughout the district to motivate people towards population control. Of these, 23 e-rickshaws will operate in rural and 25 in urban areas. A route chart has been prepared for all the ‘raths’,” the DM said.
Singh said that each e-rickshaw is equipped with information, education and communication (IEC) material. An ASHA facilitator has been assigned to each e-rickshaw to coordinate with the ASHA workers, and contraceptives will be provided on request of the people.
“During the family planning campaign fortnight, the target is to achieve 120 female sterilisations and 10 male vasectomies per block. The medical college and hospital, district and sub-divisional hospitals have a target of 120 female sterilisations and 40 male vasectomies. Thus, the total target for female sterilisations is 2,880 and for male vasectomies is 270, totalling to 3,150 during the fortnight,” the DM added.
The DM said that ‘Family Planning Day’ is organised on 21st of every month at all primary health centres, urban primary health centres, additional primary health centres, health and wellness centres, and health sub-centres. This month, it will also be held on November 21 at all health institutions in the district.
Additionally, counselling and registration centres have been established in all health institutions to provide advice and other assistance to interested couples. Family welfare counsellors and ANMs will be available at these centres to provide services to the interested couples. Furthermore, instructions have been given to offer family planning services to interested beneficiaries through display trays and promotional materials at OPD, ANC service points, delivery rooms, and vaccination centres.