"About 227 innovations have taken place under NRHM, mainly because the programme allows flexibility in funds use and encourages innovation for effective implementation. Almost all states have come up with a range of innovations in mother and child health, nutrition, improved programme management, etc. Now, there are primary health centres (PHCs) run by NGOs to remove manpower shortage, increase institutional deliveries and reduce infant mortality," Amarjeet Sinha, joint secretary in-charge of NRHM, said.
Haryana has created "delivery huts" to reduce home deliveries in remote hamlets. Over 30,000 deliveries have been conducted in the past four years in 476 such huts.
Gujarat has the Chiranjeevi scheme under which gynaecologists are contracted for deliveries--852 of the 2,000 gynaecs in the state enrolled --leading to 1,65,278 safe deliveries.
Andhra has set up "birth-waiting rooms" so that pregnant women from distant tribal areas reach health centres in advance to avoid complications. The state also offers free bus passes to SC/ST and BPL pregnant women in rural areas so that they can get at least one ante-natal care (ANC) check-up done. Eight lakh such passes have been issued so far.
Tamil Nadu has ensured the presence of a companion during delivery. ANC clinics have been equipped with TVs, so that pregnant women do not miss out on their favourite soaps.
Maharashtra has launched Hirkani Kaksha to promote breastfeeding by providing special rooms with facilities for storing breast milk.
Karnataka launched the Yeshasvini health insurance scheme through farmer cooperatives where members are provided cards for free surgeries in select hospitals.
In Orissa, NGOs are managing PHCs. As a result, defunct PHCs have become vibrant health-care centres.
Many states are hiring doctors on contract and giving cash incentives to government doctors serving in rural areas. Karnataka has trained tribal girls to become auxiliary nurse midwives and posted them in local sub-centres and tribal areas.
Chhattisgarh has 55,865 Mitanin (community health workers) who conduct immunisation camps, visit newborns and counsel mothers. Mitanins have helped reduce infant mortality rate from 79 in 2000 to 60 in 2004. The percentage of children with complete immunisation increased from 30 in 1998-1999 to 42 in 2005-2006.
In Rajasthan's tribal areas, NGO Arth provides maternal child health services through nurse-midwife operated clinics. This has led to an increase in institutional delivery from 12% to 38%.
In Tripura, doli is being used by villagers to transport sick mothers and children to healthcare facilities. The state also has mobile helicopter services in 12 remote areas.
Madhya Pradesh launched Janani Express Yojana, an ambulance service for BPL women. The scheme implemented in 204 blocks resulted in 202 women being transported.
URL: http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_innovate-to-succeed-is-new-health-mantra_1267233
