Child health care programme

Reproductive Health and Child Health Care
The Reproductive Health & Child Health Programme is implemented in the state since 1997. The programme is monitored by the State Family Welfare Bureau which is located at Pune.

Components of RCH Programme:
Women's health, safe motherhood (including safe management of unwanted pregnancy and abortion women's development
Child health (child survival and child development)
Adolescent Health (sexuality development, adolescence education and vocational component)
Effective family planning( Ensuring Informed choice, Counseling, gender equality and greater male participation)
Prevention, detection and management of Reproductive Tract Infections, Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV/ AIDS and cancer of the reproductive system
Prevention and management of infertility and other reproductive disorders
Prevention, detection and management of genetic. and environmental disorders
Reproductive health care of elderly persons

Goals of RCH Programmes
Following Goals have been set to be achieved by the Year 2004.
Indicator Present Status (SRS)Goal Maharashtra 2004-2010Birth Rate
(1999)1815Death Rate
(1999) Total Fertility Rate
(1999)Infant Mortality Rate
(1999)Neonatal Mortality Rate

To achieve the above Goals Special emphasis is given on the following:
To improve Reproductive and Child Health Programme management by strengthening, monitoring and supervision.
To enhance Accessibility, Availability and Acceptability of quality services to meet the Unmet Needs.
To ensure better utilization of the services by increasing awareness among the community about the available facilities and also about the factors affecting demographic processes like age at marriage, son preference, safe motherhood practices and new born care.
To organize special health service camps and Adolescent Clinics
To involve related Departments and Non-Government Organizations (NGO) Community Based Organizations (CBO) and Local Self Governments in the programme

Establishment of Paediatric Intensive Care Unit:
The Intensive Care Unit has been sanctioned as a permanent scheme for Dharani and Chikhaldara Rural Hospitals. Following provisions have been made:-
Five posts of Staff Nurses sanctioned.
One room of the R.H converted in to Warm Room.
Care of Low Birth Weight Babies
Use of Thermocole Box

Significanc of the Programme
Through simple activities such as play and communication, RCH promotes children's growth and development and reduces mental stress and illness. RCH can be fully integrated in nutrition and health interventions, making the critical link between healthy growth and development.