High-Level Review Meeting in Faridkot to Strengthen Maternal and Child Health Services and Vaccination
– Special emphasis to be placed on the timely identification of high-risk pregnant women and HPV vaccination for teenage girls…
Faridkot, May 19 (Alexander D’Souza): Under the directives of Civil Surgeon, Faridkot, Dr. Ramandeep Singla, a detailed review meeting was organized to further enhance the effectiveness and robustness of maternal and child health services within the district. Presided over by District Family Welfare Officer Dr. Mandeep Kaur, the meeting was attended by female health supervisors from across the district. The primary objective of this meeting was to ensure the timely provision of high-quality health services to pregnant women and newborn children.
Review of ANC Services and Field Staff Performance:
During the meeting, Dr. Mandeep Kaur reviewed the current status of Ante-Natal Care (ANC) services. Issuing strict directives, she emphasized that it is mandatory for every pregnant woman to be registered during her first trimester.
It is imperative to conduct at least four regular check-ups—including measurements of weight, blood pressure, and hemoglobin levels—during the course of the pregnancy.
The supply of Iron-Folic Acid and Calcium supplements, as well as Td/TT vaccination, must be ensured with 100% coverage. She further stated that high-risk pregnant women must be identified in a timely manner and immediately referred to the appropriate healthcare institutions. Additionally, she instructed the supervisors to intensify their monitoring of the work performed by ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives) and ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers, and to engage with the public through door-to-door outreach.
Discussion on Complete Immunization for Children Up to 5 Years and the HPV Vaccine:
Reviewing the routine immunization program, District Vaccination Officer Dr. Husanpal Sidhu underscored the critical importance of regular vaccination for all children aged from birth up to five years. She instructed the field staff to properly plan outreach sessions to identify dropout cases and track down children who have been missed.
Special Emphasis on Cervical Cancer Prevention:
Dr. Sidhu provided detailed information regarding the HPV vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer. She stated that this vaccine is crucial for teenage girls. Consequently, the staff was encouraged to step up awareness-raising activities at both the school and community levels.
Attendees at the Meeting:
During the meeting, discussions were also held regarding the streamlining of online reporting and fostering better coordination among various health programs. Key attendees at the meeting included Deputy Mass Media and Information Officer Sudhir Dheer, Deputy Mass Media Officer Dr. Prabhdeep Singh Chawla, District Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Kiran Bala, District Statistics Assistant Vijeta, and all female Health Supervisors from the district.
News: 19-4
Photo Caption: District Family Welfare Officer Dr. Mandeep Kaur and District Immunization Officer Dr. Husanpal Sidhu conducting a review meeting with the field staff.
