The scheme, which attracted a large number of women from lower middle class families in this border district, was launched with much fanfare in April last year but came to an abrupt five months later in September. In the five months the scheme was in existence as many as 822 women gave birth to children at the local Civil Hospital and in the 13 Primary Health Centres of the district. 

Dr Chetna, a gynaecologist working in the Family Planning and Welfare Section of the Civil Hospital, claimed that the scheme was successful as women decided to give births in government hospitals not only to rake in monetary benefits but also to escape from the wrath of midwives and quakes.

Civil Surgeon Dr Chandanjit Kondal said he had written to the state government to release the requisite funds as the scheme had tasted success. “Ever since the mission was launched there was a surge in the number of women wanting to get their children delivered at government hospitals. I regularly take up the issue at the Civil Surgeons Conferences held from time to time and I will once again take up the issue with the Director, Health and Family Welfare. About 192 pregnant women per one lac women lose their lives during deliveries which take place under the supervision of untrained midwives and quakes. The main aim of this venture was to reduce the mortality rate among women and it was precisely for this reason that the state government had floated this scheme,” he added.

Meanwhile, in comparison to the Mata Kaushalya Kalyan Yojna, the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakrama, a Central government initiative floated under the direct supervision of the National Rural Health Mission, was running successfully in this district.