CM to launch Vatsalya Vani today

Health Minister U T Khader said that one of the State government’s ambitious project— ‘Vatsalya Vani,’ which caters to the needs of the would-be mothers, would be launched by the chief minister on Monday.

Speaking at the health card distribution ceremony. organised by G Shankar Family Trust in association with Manipal University, the minister said the programme would ensure round-the-clock healthcare to mothers, before and after the delivery. The programme targets the underprivileged mothers. The Asha workers will be involved in offering the healthcare facilities. The data of the pregnantwomen will be coded and entered into 104 health helpline number, after which the patients will receive reminders for regular check-ups.

The reminder will also brief on the immunisation and free counseling for pregnant women who are anemic after eight months. They are also given utmost  care to ensure safe delivery.

Stating that the programme is the first of its kind in the country, the minister added that pregnant women who are constantly monitored would be picked up by ambulance during the labour pain and admitted to hospital for delivery.

He declared Udupi as blood donors’ district in State. Udupi is one district that contributes majorly towards supply of blood in the State. Hence, the government has decided to bestow the title of blood donors’ district to Udupi. Although research activities are on hype in every field and sector, the humans are not able to find a substitute to the blood, he said.

Asserting that the government was committed to extend all sorts of healthcare to the people, especially poor, the health minister stated school health teams would be formed to enable health check-ups and provide healthcare to the schoolchildren free of cost. He said he would shortly call a review meet to discuss the conditions in the district government hospital and to formulate plans to make the district hospital a model hospital.