Ranchi Launches Male Sterilisation Awareness Campaign to Promote Family Planning

Ranchi: Health minister Irfan Ansari flagged off the male sterilisation awareness rath, along with the India Post vehicle, marking the commencement of the campaign, which will continue till December 20.Ansari said, “Family planning is not merely a population-control measure but an important step towards building healthy families and ensuring safe motherhood. Male participation is crucial for the success of such initiatives.”The programme also witnessed the launch of new contraceptive methods and the release of a video film for sahiyas. Outstanding performers, including 37 health institutions, 19 master trainers, nine storekeepers, 16 BTTs, 10 Sahiyas, 10 surgeons, eight ANMs/GNMs, and 11 counsellors, from the state were felicitated.Additional chief secretary Ajoy Kumar Singh said, “Family planning is not only a health programme but also a foundation for social and economic development.”A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between India Post, Jharkhand circle, and the National Health Mission (NHM) for the transportation and distribution of family planning commodities.Under the agreement, India Post will utilise its extensive parcel network to ensure the timely supply of essential materials to health centres.

Also, 8,500 technical and non-technical personnel will be recruited to strengthen healthcare services.NHM campaign director Shashi Prakash Jha said, “The state’s total fertility rate (TFR) decreased from 3.5 to 2.3, while the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) increased from 35.7% to 61.7%. Male participation is essential, and male sterilisation is a safe, simple, and effective procedure.”