Meghalaya govt launches safe motherhood transit home

Shillong: Meghalaya government has started a safe motherhood transit home under Chief Ministers Safe Motherhood Scheme (CM-SMS). The establishment is aimed at reducing maternal mortality in an accelerated manner.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday inaugurated the home at Asanang under Rongram block in West Garo Hills.

In 2020-2021, the state recorded 248 maternal deaths and maternal mortality is a major concern for the region. The CM said in the last six months, the rate has come down by over 35%. He added that infant mortality is at 29 points against the national average of 28 for the years 2020-21. "We strive to bring it down to less than the national average soon."

He further said the state government has accorded priority to care for pregnant mothers through the MOTHER programme and the safe motherhood scheme, aiming at increasing institutional deliveries and reducing maternal deaths to a minimum.

Setting up transit homes for high-risk mothers, providing them food, making space for their children, arranging transport by involving local entrepreneurs, and encouraging family members to stay with them are the main components of the programme. A wage compensation of up to Rs 1,000 per person is also in the cards.

The best-performing village under each PHC will be honoured every year.

Sangma added that 80 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have already completed setting up transit homes in the state. 84 PHCs have arranged for vehicle support and a total of Rs 36 crore has been earmarked for the scheme by dovetailing other programmes, including JSY and JSSK.