The Health department has set “targets” of female sterilisation in Chhattisgarh, according to an unpublished survey of the family planning programme in the State conducted by the Public Health Resource Network (PHRN) a year ago,
The synopsis of the report accessed by The Hindu says, “During discussions with various respondents while carrying out the survey, it was evident that still the focus of government officials is on increasing the number of sterilisations to achieve the target for the State. Along with this, it is the women who are majorly targeted for sterilisation whereas the number of male sterilisation lags far behind.”
The report says that despite the Supreme Court issuing orders for performing no more than 30 cases of sterilisations per day or camp, it was found that earlier, even 600 cases of sterilisation were performed by surgeons in the State in a day or camp.
“This practice has been witnessed in many parts of the State. But the ANM [Auxiliary Nurse Midwife] should not be blamed for the mess,” said Sulakshna Nandi of the Chaupal Gramin Vikas Prashikshan Evam Shodh Sansthan, Chhattisgarh, who was part of the PHRN team.
The report had also recommended “Target free approach” in the operationalisation of the family planning programme and “more intensive and decentralised planning” for areas with high unmet needs.
Reacting to the Pendhari incident in Bilaspur where 11 women died because of faulty sterilisation at a family planning camp, Ms. Nandi said unhygienic condition was the main reason for infection and deaths.
Chhattisgarh Health Minister Amar Agrawal was not available for comment. Deputy Director (Health) of Chhattisgarh Amar Singh did not respond to the repeated calls from The Hindu .
Published - November 13, 2014 12:16 am IST
