An ambitious health project Precious Lives under Safety (PLUS), initiated by Arunachal Government was ceremonially launched in its five districts on Friday.
The state’s Nodal Officer of National Health Mission (NHM) Dr Dimong Padung informed that the project was simultaneously launched in capital district Papumpare, Lower Subansiri, West Siang, East Siang and Lohit.
Launching the pilot project at Ruksin Community Health Centre (CHC) of East Siang bordering Assam, Arunachal MLA Tatung Jamoh urged the district health department to extend the services in remote areas.
Talking to Northeast Now at Ruksin, NHM Nodal Officer Dr Padung said it was a modified form of Prime Minister Surakshit Matritwa Yojana, which ensures zero mortality of pregnant mother and neo natal babies besides 100 percent coverage of child birth in government run hospitals.
He said that about 50 percent registered pregnant women in the state gives birth out of government hospital under various reason, but the new project would facilitate them to come to government hospitals for at least four times ante-natal check up and hospital delivery.
“The district health department will conduct one camp at CHC level every month to provide the medical facility to the target beneficiaries, wherein various facilities such as ADHAR enrolment, opening of bank account to avail financial benefits and other services be given at their door steps through single window”, said Dr Padung.
The nodal officer also informed that his department has constituted Sub-centre level team including its ANM (Nurse), ASHA and Anganwadi Worker to identify pregnant mothers and forward them to CHC for registration and avail the scheme benefits under various medical schemes.
Speaking at the occasion, East Siang DC Tamiya Tatak asked the pregnant mothers to go to government hospitals without hesitation and take pre and post delivery medical cares. He also appealed the Gaon Burahs and local leaders to help the health worker for successful implementation of the scheme.
Among others, east Siang District Medical Officer Dr Kaling Dai, Joint Director of Health Services Dr D Ranya, District Reproductive & Child Health Officer Dr T Gao and Ruksin CHC in-charge Dr Kadum Jonnom spoke on the occasion and advised the pregnant mothers to go for timely registration in hospitals and get their due benefits under PLUS scheme.
The health department distributed cloths and food items among 41 pregnant mothers attended on launching day.