Increasing access to and provision of quality service for Safe Abortion is part of Government of West Bengal’s maternal health strategy to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity in the state as unsafe abortion is still one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity.
A High Level Task Force was constituted under the chairmanship of Dr. Tridib Banerjee towards facilitation of activities of the Department in reduction of Infant/Maternal Mortality of the state. After having made some substantial improvement in Facility Based newborn Care, it seems necessary to improve the facility based maternal care also.
Concern has been raised regarding rising Caesarean Section (CS) rates especially when it is medically not indicated, thus exposing the pregnant women and babies to potential harm.
To improve vitamin A status of the newborn the state has decided to administer single dose of 2 lac I.U. Vitamin A in oil orally to all post natal mothers immediately after delivery.