Protein shakes, iron syrups part of Tamil Nadu govt gift to expectant moms

CHENNAI: A basket containing protein shakes, iron and zinc syrups, dates and ghee were handed over to pregnant women by chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Monday. In a fervid attempt to boost blood haemoglobin levels in pregnant women, those living below the poverty line will be given kits at the end of the first trimester as an extension of the Muthulakshmi Reddy maternal benefit scheme, after they register their pregnancies.

When Palaniswami assumed office in February 2017, enhancement of the maternity benefit scheme from Rs 12,000 to Rs 18,000 was one of the first few orders he passed. Although a GO for procurement and distribution of the kit was passed in April 2008, it was delayed due to various reasons. “We have put together a kit that women will love. We hope it will make mothers and infants healthy,” said health minister C Vijayabaskar.

At least two of every five pregnant women in the state were found to be anaemic despite intensive early screening, free iron tablets and nutritional food supplements distribution through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). The condition, doctors say, triggers one third of all maternal deaths. “We were giving them free medicines but compliance was low. While some women complained of acidity, some had misconceptions about the medicines,” said Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecologist director, Dr Shoba. “In some women the drugs just didn’t work because they did not eat adequate protein. Amino acids are required for the body to absorb iron. Our protein drink will help them,” she said.

The state also inaugurated essential diagnostic facilities at all primary health centres. The blood/ urine samples will be taken to facilities where elaborate testing is available by health workers on bikes or public transport without violating the cold chain, officials said. Results of the test will be relayed to patients through mobile phones or email. All vacancies for doctor posts were filled on Monday. “We recruited 1,300 doctors today(Monday). As of now we have zero vacancies in doctor posts,” director of public health Dr K Kolandasamy said.