CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Monday handed over baskets containing protein shakes, iron and zinc syrups and dates to pregnant women to boost blood haemoglobin levels in them.Women living below the poverty line will be given kits at the end of their third month as an extension of the Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternal Benefit Scheme after they register their pregnancy.
In February 2017, when he assumed office, enhancement of the maternity benefit scheme from Rs 12,000 to Rs18,000 was one of the first few orders Palaniswami 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 now put together a kit that women will love. We are hoping it will make mothers and children healthy,” said health minister C Vijaya Baskar.
At least two out of every five pregnant women in state were found to be anaemic despite intensive early screening, free iron tablets and nutritional food supplements through the 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 Gynecologist director Dr Shoba.
“In some women the drugs just didn’t work because they did not at adequate amount of protein. Amino acids are required for the body to absorb iron. Our protein drink will help them,” she said.