Saving Babies and Mothers - the Tamil Nadu Model

Abstract

Back ground: Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and infant Mortality Rate (IMR) are very sensitive indicators of the MCH care and the living standards of a community. Currently, the MMR in India is 230 per 100,000 live births and IMR is 53 per 1000 live births. The Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Programme was launched on 15 October 1997. This include a package of services for women and children2. RCH Phase II was launched on 1 April 2005 with a vision to bring about outputs as envisaged in the Tenth Plan, National Population Policy (2000), National Health Policy (2002), Millennium Development Goals (MDG) 2005 etc. Minimising regional variations in the areas of reproductive health and population stabilization is aimed at. The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) which was implemented from 12 April 2005for a period of 7 years (2005-2012) is an omnibus broad band programme integrating all the vertical health programmes of the Department of Health & Family Welfare including RCH Programme II, various National Programmes for disease control and various Externally Aided Projects. (EAP)3. This is a national effort at effective health care through a range of interventions. Reduction of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality is of prime concern. As a result, the states are striving to reduce deaths of mothers and infants. Result: As per Millennium Development Goals, Tamil Nadu achieved Infant mortality rate of 28 per 1000 live births to be achieved by 2015 gives as goal No: 4 Conclusion: The Tamil Nadu has brought great changes in field of child&motherhood. This is done with applying principle of primary health care with multidimensional&comprehensive effort.