Haryana minister assures timely, quality and comprehensive maternal healthcare services for every pregnant woman

Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said on Monday that every pregnant woman in the state will receive timely, quality and comprehensive maternal healthcare services. She directed officials to intensify community outreach to ensure that no pregnant woman is deprived of essential antenatal care or institutional delivery services.

The Health Minister said that, as part of a major initiative to strengthen maternal healthcare and further reduce the state’s maternal mortality rate, the National Health Mission (NHM), Haryana has decided to observe the ‘Zero Preventable Maternal Death Fortnight’ across all districts of the state from July 7 to July 22.

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She said the campaign aims to ensure that every pregnant woman receives timely, quality and comprehensive maternal healthcare services to prevent any avoidable maternal death. The initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of mothers and achieving the highest standards of maternal healthcare, said Arti Singh Rao.

She said the Health Department remains steadfast in its commitment to providing accessible, equitable and high-quality maternal healthcare services. Through the collective efforts of frontline health workers, medical professionals, partner organisations and the community, the state aims to make the ‘Zero Preventable Maternal Death Fortnight’ a significant milestone in protecting mothers’ lives and ensuring safe motherhood for every woman in Haryana, said Arti Singh Rao.

The Minister appealed to all healthcare providers in both the government and private sectors to coordinate closely during the campaign and ensure timely, safe and quality care for every pregnant woman. She also appealed to families to encourage pregnant women to undergo regular antenatal check-ups, recognise danger signs early, and seek immediate medical assistance when required.

Sharing details of the campaign, Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM) for Haryana, Dr RS Dhillon said detailed review meetings had been held with all Civil Surgeons to ensure its effective implementation. During these meetings, Civil Surgeons were directed to take stringent and proactive measures to identify high-risk pregnancies, strengthen antenatal care services, ensure timely referrals, maintain round-the-clock preparedness at First Referral Units (FRUs), and closely monitor every pregnant woman requiring special attention.

Dr Dhillon further said that District health officers have also been directed to maintain strict surveillance and respond promptly to any obstetric emergency. He said special emphasis has been placed on the identification and follow-up of high-risk pregnancies, timely referral and transportation, availability of blood and blood components, emergency obstetric care, specialist services, and the uninterrupted functioning of labour rooms and maternity facilities.

NHM Director Dr Virender Yadav said that recognising maternal health as a shared responsibility, the Health Department has sought active cooperation and participation from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Haryana, and the Haryana chapter of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI). Both organisations have been requested to actively participate in the campaign and extend all possible support towards achieving the goal of zero preventable maternal deaths.

Dr Yadav further said that all private doctors associated with the IMA and FOGSI will provide two free postnatal check-ups to women who deliver at their hospitals within seven days of childbirth. He said this initiative will help ensure quality postnatal care and address any high-risk factors that could pose a threat to the life of a breastfeeding mother.