Other than government schemes, lack of gynecologists and poor sanitation remain major problems.
Pregnant women of Devadurga taluk do not receive government schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK). This has caused nutrient deficiency in them leading to health issues such as anemia .
Siddalingappa, head coordinator of the youth and social service department at Don Bosco school, Devadurga, said, “Government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), don’t reach women on time.”
Kamla, who lives in Yeallanga slum said, women in slums are not receiving schemes promised by government and they have to manage ration by themselves.
Under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP), ration comprising of 600 calories (kcal) and 18 to 20 grams of protein is to be provided to pregnant women and lactating mothers. Not getting these schemes on time can cause lack of nutrients such as iron, iodine and vitamin D in pregnant women.
Dr. Nirmala Devi, AYUSH medical officer at Devadurga taluk hospital said, “Most of the pregnant women lack nutrients and it causes blood related deficiencies such as anemia.” As per the records, ten anemia cases were found in women and out of that two pregnant women were found to have severe anemia in November, 2023.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total budget allocation for Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and nutrition under the National Health Mission (NHM) was Rs. 4,750 crores (about $640 million) in 2019-2020.
Dr. Shivanand, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Devadurga government hospital said, “allocation of budget towards maternal and child health is 75-80 per cent, we can’t see any major differences after the allocation also.”
Dr. Shivanand said, “One of the major problems is lack of trained manpower and less nursing staff.” There is no gynecologist at this hospital and in Jalahalli village of Devadurga taluk, added Dr. Shivanand.
There is only one taluk government hospital in Devadurga . People from nearby villages and slums have to come there, which is far from their place.
“Pregnant women have to travel to government hospital on their own for delivery and check-ups.” It gets difficult for them because it is far and there are no van facilities available, added Kamla.
