Hyderabad|India|January'2009: NTR Memorial Trust’s Thalli Bidda Samrakashana Padhakam programme has set a benchmark in healthcare by minimising maternal mortality in 257 villages in different parts of Andhra Pradesh.

NTR Memorial Trust’s achievement in woman and childcare has surpassed Indian and global maternal mortality goals. The distinction has been achieved by minimising the maternal deaths to two in 15,000 deliveries in 257 villages. This was achieved in the shortest possible time of 24 months between December 2006 and December 2008.

The programme is being run in association with four leading medical institutions in Andhra Pradesh: Mediciti in Medak, Dr Pinnamaneni Siddartha Institute of Medical Sciences at Chinaowkapalli in Krishna district, NRI Medical College at Mangalagiri in Guntur district and GSL Medical College, General Hospital in East Godavari district.

The Millennium Goals, set by the United Nations, stipulate that the ratio of women dying in childbirth should be reduced by three-quarters between 1990 and 2015. Maternal deaths across the world are at 400 per 1,00,000 as against India’s 300 per 1,00,000. In Andhra Pradesh, the rate is 195 per 1,00,000.

“NTR Memorial Trust’s achievement is outstanding,” says M Rama Babu, a former IAS officer, “Their efforts have been spreading joy in all the villages the Trust has been working in. It is commendable that the Trust has been offering end-to-end healthcare facilities for all pregnant women free of cost.”

“They are reliving the ideals of the late Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N T Rama Rao who strove for the pride and welfare of Telugu Adapadachu (daughter),” says G Suryanarayana, ex-member, APPSC Board. “I hope they could extend their services across the entire state. May God bless them and all those who are supporting this noble cause.”

“We have achieved the late NTR’s dream of mitigating the woes of women (‘Adapaduchu) during child birth,” says Mr P Raghu Rama Rao, Chief Executive Officer, NTR Memorial Trust, an organization which is known for its pioneering social work in areas like blood bank, primary healthcare, women and child welfare. “Such has been the sparkling change brought about by us that more and more villages have been urging us to extend our service to their villages.”

Tremendous results of the woman and child health initiative is appreciated by one and all. “As far as my knowledge, there is no NGO which is ensuring good health for woman and child. I wish the Trust covers more villages with this initiative,” says T Venkateswara Rao, social activist.

The Thalli Bidda Samrakashana Padhakam programme is being run in two Mandals each of Medchal, Mangalagiri and Rajahmundry and four Mandals of Gannavaram. The programme offers end-to-end healthcare services free of cost. This includes routine monthly check-ups, diagnostics, medicines and even logistics support. Another hallmark of the service is personalised care. The programme offers awareness programmes on women and child care.
 

Reachout's News Bureau
 January' 2009