Situation analysis of the postpartum programme in India
Khan, M.E.
National Medical Journal of India 16(Suppl): 28-34
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0970-258X PMID: 12816204 Document Number: 565292
The postpartum programme is a maternity-centred, hospital-based approach in India, which aims to motivate women in the reproductive age group (15-44 years) and their husbands to adopt small family norms through education and awareness during the prenatal, natal and postnatal periods and after medical termination of pregnancy. This article provides a situation analysis of the functions of postpartum centres (PPCs), and critically analyses how far they have been able to meet the stated objectives of the programme. The analysis examined the geographical allocation of PPCs, personnel and infrastructure facilities, and performance of family planning services, maternal and child health services, outreach services and inservice training of medical and paramedical staff. It is concluded that the postpartum programme in India is making an important contribution to the provision of family welfare services to the community.