In a significant upgrade to its maternal and child healthcare services, the Andhra Pradesh government has for the first time established advanced Targeted Imaging for Foetal Anomalies (TIFFA) scanning facilities in seven secondary hospitals across the state. This move is set to dramatically improve access to crucial prenatal diagnostics for women, particularly in remote and tribal regions.
Strategic Rollout Across Seven Key Hospitals
State Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav announced the locations of the new TIFFA units. The scanners have been installed at the area hospitals in Narsipatnam, Tuni, and Nandigama, the Mother and Child Health (MCH) hospital in Ongole, and the district hospitals in Parvathipuram, Tenali, and Anakapalle. The minister confirmed that while the functioning of these units is currently under review, full-fledged TIFFA scanning services will be made available to pregnant women starting January 1.
Highlighting the strategic thought behind the placements, Yadav noted that three of the seven hospitals are situated in north Andhra. This decision, based on patient load and accessibility, is specifically designed to bring advanced prenatal diagnostic services closer to women in tribal and underserved areas, saving them arduous travel.
Investment and Expected Impact on Maternal Health
The government has invested substantially in this initiative. Each TIFFA unit was procured at a cost of ₹30.48 lakh, leading to a total expenditure of ₹2.13 crore for all seven units. This investment is expected to yield significant public health benefits.
KVN Chakradhara Babu, Director of Secondary Health, explained the critical need for such services. Citing international reports and medical statistics, he pointed out that nearly 7% of newborns are affected by some form of congenital anomaly. The TIFFA scan, which is most effective between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, allows for a detailed examination of foetal development, including the brain, spinal cord, heart, limbs, abdomen, placenta, and umbilical cord.
"Early detection through TIFFA scans allows for timely referral and advanced medical intervention, significantly improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes," Babu stated. With the new facilities, an estimated 1,000 pregnant women are expected to benefit every month.
Reducing Hardship and Financial Burden
Until now, comprehensive TIFFA scanning facilities in the government sector were largely confined to major teaching hospitals. This forced pregnant women from rural and remote areas to undertake long and expensive journeys to access these vital services. In the private sector, the cost barrier is also high, with a TIFFA scan typically ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹4,000, depending on the region.
"To address these challenges, the government has decided to extend the services to secondary hospitals, thereby reducing travel-related hardships and out-of-pocket expenses," Director Babu emphasized. This expansion is poised to democratize access to advanced prenatal care, ensuring that early detection and subsequent management of potential foetal anomalies are not privileges limited by geography or economic status.
The initiative marks a proactive step by the Andhra Pradesh government in strengthening the foundational pillars of public health, aiming for healthier outcomes for both mothers and their newborns across the state.
