A workshop on advancing maternal and child health in Bihar was held at IIT Patna on Wednesday, bringing together health experts and frontline workers to discuss strategies for improving care systems in the state. The event, titled 'Advancing maternal and child health in Bihar,' aimed to enhance survival rates through increased institutional deliveries, specialized care facilities, and better training for frontline health workers.
Key Highlights from the Inaugural Session
IIT-Patna director T N Singh delivered the inaugural address, emphasizing the need to overcome infrastructural barriers through a data-driven approach to decision-making. He urged effective implementation of government schemes such as Janani Suraksha Yojana to ensure proper healthcare for mothers and children. Singh stressed that leveraging data could help identify gaps and optimize resource allocation.
Addressing Gaps in Neonatal Equipment and Training
Dr. Manisha Singh from Mahavir Cancer Sansthan in Patna highlighted critical deficiencies in neonatal equipment, hygiene infrastructure, and staff training at public health facilities. She recommended strengthening outreach services through Village Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Day (VHSND) sessions in rural areas to improve access to care.
Importance of Midwifery and Reproductive Health
Principal investigator Papia Raj introduced the significance of maternal and child healthcare, emphasizing the need to promote midwifery and reproductive health services. She noted that skilled midwifery could reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates significantly.
Policy-Implementation Gaps and Coordination
UNICEF health expert S S Reddy pointed out widening gaps between policy formulation and implementation. He called for stronger coordination between government agencies and grassroots workers to ensure effective program delivery. Reddy recommended regular monitoring and feedback mechanisms to bridge these gaps.
Participation and Deliberations
Other notable participants included IIT-Patna registrar A K Thakur, associate dean Anup Keshri, and co-investigator Aditya Raj. The workshop also involved ASHA and Anganwadi workers from Patna, Maner, and Bihta, as well as doctors from leading hospitals in Patna. The discussions focused on practical solutions to improve maternal and child health outcomes across the state.
The workshop concluded with a call for collaborative efforts to enhance healthcare delivery, with a particular emphasis on rural areas where access to quality care remains limited.
