SHILLONG, July 16: The Meghalaya government seeks to increase institutional deliveries to over 90% as part of its efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes across the state.
The target was discussed during a review of the state’s health sector chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday with Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, focusing on strengthening healthcare delivery and improving key health indicators.
During the review, the government noted encouraging improvements reflected in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), including a decline in maternal deaths, which it attributed to higher institutional deliveries supported by initiatives such as the Chief Minister’s Safe Motherhood Scheme that provides transport assistance to pregnant women.
While acknowledging the progress made, the government said efforts would be intensified to increase institutional deliveries beyond the 90% mark.
The meeting also reviewed measures to improve first-trimester registration of pregnancies, ensure a timely iron and folic acid supplementation for expectant mothers, and strengthen antenatal and postnatal care through the coordinated efforts of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, Accredited Social Health Activists, and Anganwadi workers.
The government further discussed expanding the Community Caregiver Initiative with the support of village organisations and self-help groups to strengthen community-based healthcare services.
Child nutrition and preventive healthcare also figured prominently during the review. The government resolved to promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, improve nutritional support for children, encourage appropriate birth spacing and step up awareness on non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, through lifestyle interventions and preventive healthcare measures.
The review forms part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare outcomes and improve the delivery of health services across Meghalaya.
