The coronavirus pandemic has grappled the world with its vicious jaws in every aspect of life. The pandemic situation is disrupting women’s access to reproductive health services across the country, particularly in the urban areas, as many expecting mothers and mothers of newborns are reluctant to go to hospital fearing Covid-19 infection.
We now have to draw attention to this massive problem. It is also reported that the number of child marriage has increased amid the pandemic. When girls get married during childhood, they get pregnant quicker than women who marry at older ages, and this is leading to real health hazards.
The government can initiate
door-to-door healthcare services
for pregnant mothers
According to the EPI, a vaccination programme run by the World Health Organisation, the maternal mortality has increased by 25 to 30 percent during the Covid-19 period. Before the pandemic, 50 percent of deliveries took place at home, but now it has increased to 83 percent, says the EPI’s data.
Now in order to ensure safe motherhood and safe pregnancy, it is essential for pregnant women to receive high-quality healthcare services before, during and after childbirth. Initiatives can be taken to provide healthcare services to pregnant women and new mothers over phone or through mobile apps.
Through mobile apps they can consult with respective doctors without visiting the health facilities. In rural areas, government can also initiate door-to-door healthcare services for pregnant mothers with the help of public hospitals.
