New maternal nutrition scheme launched in Gujarat

Two maternal nutrition schemes have been launched by the Prime Minister in Gujarat as ‘Mukhyamantri Matrushakti Yojana’ and ‘Poshan Sudha Yojana’.

Key Highlights of the scheme

• Objective: To provide nutritious food to pregnant and lactating women and their new born children during the first 1000 days.
• Scope: It is a pilot project for 10 talukas of five tribal dominated
• Fund allocation: 800 crores will be spent under the scheme.
• Components: Under this scheme, pregnant and lactating mothers, free of cost, will be given:

• Two kg gram
• One kg tur dal
• One kg edible oil
• It will be distributed every month from the Anganwadi centers.
• Extended to tribal districts: The scheme has been extended up to 14 tribal dominated districts, which will help tribal women to curb from maternal mortality and Infant mortality in the state.
• Under this, they provide iron and calcium tablets to pregnant and lactating mothers of tribal districts and to educate them on nutrition.
• Mandate for benefits: Under this scheme, pregnant and lactating mothers registered in Anganwadis are provided complete nutritious food.

Impact of poor maternal health

• Malnutrition and Anemia during pregnancy can hinder the development of the foetus and the health of the baby can deteriorate.
• Spread of diseases: Diseases like Uterus cancer, Haemorrhage, Infections and even loss of life can be experienced if proper care is not taken during or after pregnancy.
• Lack of nutrition and unhealthy livelihood is major reason for most of the deaths recorded after giving birth.

Precautions to be taken

• Proper Hygiene and Sanitation is important.
• Nutritious food during and after pregnancy is must.
• Nutrition supplements like Iron Folic Tablets and Calcium tablets can help to recover from Anemia and Weakness.