A total of 54 pregnant women in the limits of Mandarthi Primary Health Centre in Udupi district had a rare opportunity of taking part in a mass baby shower ceremony on Saturday. The programme was organised by Udupi District Family Welfare Department, the district unit of National Rural Health Mission, Mandarthi Primary Health Centre and the local Yuvaka Mandala.
Fortunately, the actual intention was not just baby shower, but disseminating information to the rural women about the facilities extended by the government under various health schemes.
“Rural women should overcome their fear regarding hospitals. At the same time, they should not be denied of the facilities being offered there. The ceremony was to create awareness, apart from honouring them traditionally,” the organisers said.Pregnant women from Kadur, Nadur, Shirur, Heggunje, Avarse, Hiliyana, Vandaru and Kakkunje took part in the ceremony.
The women were offered vermillion, turmeric, bangles and flowers. District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr Ramachandra Bayari wished the women good health and safe delivery. Local anganwadi workers offered ‘arathi’ to them.