With only 51% ANC coverage, Resubelpara pushes for better maternal health services

Shillong, Feb 13: With only 51 per cent of mothers availing of antenatal care in Resubelpara- headquarters of North Garo hills district in Meghalaya, authorities have requested the expecting mothers to take benefit of Ante Natal Care (ANC) services to enable early diagnosis and treatment.

Speaking at a health camp on Ante Natal Care at Resubelara, Dr N R Marak, SDM&HO cum DNO Aspirational Block referred to the previous record of ANC registration where only 51% of antenatal mothers availed the benefits. He added with a target to achieve zero infant and maternal death, expecting mothers especially high-risk pregnancies ought to register under the ANC to enable early diagnosis and treatment.

Healthcare professionals, government officials, and frontline workers came together for a vital cause—strengthening (ANC) services in the Aspirational Block of North Garo Hills.

The programme, organized by the District Medical & Health Office, aimed at providing comprehensive ANC services, from on-the-spot OPD screenings and ultrasounds to expert counselling sessions led by renowned gynaecologists Dr Vince Chimpoo M Momin and Dr Abida M Marak. For many mothers, this was more than a medical check-up; it was a beacon of hope in their journey toward safe motherhood.

Assistant Commissioner Torali K Marak, the chief guest, underscored the necessity of early ANC check-ups, emphasizing the significance of registering during the first trimester. “Antenatal care is the foundation of maternal and newborn health. Timely intervention and regular check-ups can prevent complications, ensuring safe deliveries and healthy babies,” she remarked. She further lauded the government’s commitment to achieving zero preventable maternal and infant deaths and acknowledged the tireless efforts of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) who serve as the crucial link between healthcare services and the community.

The discussions extended beyond medical screenings, delving into the importance of iron, folate, vitamins, and a balanced diet, as highlighted by Dr PS R Sangma, DM&HO, and Dr R K Sangma, in charge of DIO. The programme served as an eye-opener, shedding light on Meghalaya’s maternal healthcare scenario.

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), only 49% of women in the state receive four ANC check-ups, significantly lower than the national average of 79.4%.

The regional disparities in ANC coverage further illustrate the challenge. While districts like Ribhoi, South West Khasi Hills, and West Khasi Hills report higher ANC coverage (61-64%), areas like East Garo Hills, North Garo Hills, and South West Garo Hills lag behind, with figures as low as 24.3%. Institutional deliveries stand at 59.7%, with a significant proportion taking place in public health facilities. Although the state’s C-section rate of 15.7% aligns with WHO recommendations, nearly half of these procedures are conducted in private facilities, raising concerns about accessibility for economically weaker sections.

Anaemia among women remains another pressing issue. Despite a slight decrease from 56.2% (NFHS-4) to 53.8% (NFHS-5), its prevalence remains alarmingly high, particularly among women of reproductive age, nearly twice that of men. Addressing nutritional deficiencies through targeted health programs remains a critical focus area for the state’s healthcare system.

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