Port Blair, Jan 08: The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman/Chairman, District Health Society (SA), Mr. Suneel Anchipakaon 7 January inaugurated the Maternity Home at campus of the G. B Pant Hospital, Port Blair in the presence of Mr. Rahul D. Boora, IAS (P). The Director of Health Services, Director of ANIIMS, Joint MD-UTHM, MS-GBPH and other Officials from NHM, Health & APWD Department was also present.
In his address, the DC (SA) informed that this concept is the second initiative in A & N Islands and the Maternity Home has been constructed through the District Health Society (SA) under National Health Mission to provide accommodation at minimal fee to the poor pregnant women of Inter Island for better health care services. It was also informed that this initiative has been inspired from Nicobari Birth Home; the idea of Maternity Home incorporates Traditional Gyan with Post Modern Technologies. He also informed that the motto of this initiative is to reduce the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), which could improve the health indicators of A & N Islands.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director of Health Services appreciated the role of District Administration and the officials of the National Health Mission for such innovative ideas. The Health Department could monitor the high risk poor pregnant women and refer them well in advance from Inter Islands to Port Blair to avoid any pregnancy related complications. Earlier, many poor residents avoided coming to Port Blair for advanced treatment due to financial constraints and accommodation.
The District Programme Manager, DHS (SA) informed that this Maternity Home has a capacity of 6 pregnant women with one attender each. He also informed that another 10 bedded Maternity Home was also constructed at CHC Bambooflat and both Maternity Home will be managed by the Directorate of Health Services in coordination with the District Hospital & District Administration, South Andaman to provide allotment of accommodations at affordable fee to the pregnant women.