Fertility Problems in India

Abstract

Leaders in India aware of the population problem and the resulting need for family planning services requested a consultant from the World Health Organization in the field of family planning. With the authorization of the government the consultant visited the rural areas cities and villages of India and observed both accomplishments and problems in the field of family planning sterility general obstetrics and medical care. Although a Family Planning Association was organized 1 year ago and 50 family planning centers are delivering services in varies cities under sponsorship of local state or city governments contraceptive methods are essentially unknown in the villages where 80-85% of the population live. It is obvious that motivation as well as a method that is harmless reliable effective and acceptable to the users is essential to the acceptance of family planning among this or any group. The incidence of sterility appears to be about the same as that of other countries but only a few physicians are involved in its treatment. Obstetrical care is limited. Most infants are delivered at home with the assistance of midwives who have received no special medical training and the present maternal mortality rate continues high. However progressive methods were noted in the hospital deliveries. Rooming-in and natural childbirth the woman giving birth without tension anxiety and the need for anesthetics are routine and accepted to their need. They belong to 2 medical groups the allopathic or Western school of medicine and the ayurvedic and unanic the native systems of India. The latter group has no medical training in terms of Western standards and an attempt is being made to develop schools where the ayurvedic physician can receive modern training.