MUMBAI, 4^th JUNE, 2023 (GPN): To nurture safe and healthy motherhood, to reduce maternal mortality rate and to subsequently remove home deliveries and promote institutional delivery, the office of Mr. Rais Shaikh (Member of Legislative Assembly, Bhiwandi East) is launching a flagship program named “Aanchal”.

The rate of home deliveries was very high in the Bhiwandi due to lack of awareness, inadequate infrastructure, lack of financial resources etc which in turn lead to rise in maternal mortality and child mortality rate. To constructively resolve this problem, office of Mr. Rais Shaikh was already providing facilitation and help to the maternal women by providing them with gynaecologist prescribed medicines, nutritional proteins, transportation support and other medicinal help. Till now, the office has provided medical help in various form to nearly 350 pregnant women, with 10 successful safe and healthy deliveries. Office of Mr. Rais Shaikh is also helping these women to get birth certificate for the new-borns to safeguard their future.

Aanchal aims to provide a complete maternal facilitation specifically to women from economically weaker section, women with low calcium and iron and women in their 7 to 9 months of pregnancy. The women will have to be registered with Primary Health Care (PHC’s ASHA workers), thereafter which they will be provided with an Aanchal Kit, which includes gynaecologist prescribed folic and calcium medicines and protein. Every woman registered will be given an Aanchal card, to keep a systematic track of the health and facilities availed by her. Under Aanchal, one time sonography to 7-month pregnant woman will be provided. The entire cost of sonography will be borne by office of Mr. Rais Shaikh.

A toll-free number is provided which will help provide all other services like ambulance, general admissions on need basis. Importantly, Aanchal also will organize an awareness and knowledge session by renowned gynaecologist on every alternate Sunday.

With this flagship program, the Office of Mr. Rais Shaikh firmly believes that the maternal and natal healthcare will be improved and the mission of healthy and happy Bhiwandi will be achieved in its true spirit.