NAHARLAGUN, Feb 5: Gynaecologists from various districts were imparted training on the new injectable contraceptive DPMA (Depot Medroxyproges-terone Acetate) at the National Health Mission’s state training centre here on Monday.
The training programme coincided with the launch of the contraceptive under the Antara programme.
Addressing the participants, Family Welfare Director Dr K Lego underscored the importance of family planning, and emphasized on fertility regulation for reducing birth rate and maternal death rate in the state.
He urged the gynaecologists to take on the responsibility to advocate the use of contraceptives “by providing the choice of basket of contraceptives to avoid unnecessary abortion, teenage pregnancy and spacing.”
He also urged them to carry out a detailed study of any maternal death occurring at health facilities, and to find out the cause for such deaths.
“The report should be shared with the district nodal officer and the state within 24 hours, so that shortcomings on the part of the provider or the facilities may be rectified,” he said.
Dr Lego informed that India was the first country in the world to launch a family programme, as early as in 1952, with the aim of controlling its population.
“But the challenge now has extended beyond population stabilization to addressing sustainable development goals for maternal and child health. Even though India has made considerable progress in reducing maternal mortality, it still contributes 17% of maternal deaths globally,” he said.
Exhorting the gynaecologists to introspect on how to improve family planning, he said it is imperative to “increase the basket of choice and service coverage to avert maternal deaths.”
TRIHMS gyneacologist Dr Goter Doke provided information about the new contraceptive and said a broader basket of choice has now been introduced into the public health system, and that the supply of contraceptives will be sent to all the districts.
“DPMA is widely used as an effective, safe and acceptable method of contraceptive across the world,” Dr Doke said.
Gynaecologist Dr J Darang (BPGH, Pasighat) and Dr T Tara were the other resource persons of the programme.
Family Welfare Deputy Director Dr Amping Perme and Joint Director S Bhattacharjee also attended it.
