Lucknow | In a major step toward improving maternal and child health, the Health Department has launched a unique initiative titled ‘Matruchhaya’, in collaboration with PSI India and the SBI Foundation. The program was officially inaugurated on Monday by Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Director General, Family Welfare, during a ceremony held at a city hotel.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kumar said that as part of the pilot phase, one Community Health Center (CHC) each from Bahraich, Balrampur, and Hardoi districts has been selected. These centers will see upgraded delivery rooms equipped with modern medical facilities, while special focus will be placed on behavioral change among healthcare workers.
Sanjay Prakash, MD & CEO of SBI Foundation, said the initiative will not only strengthen maternal and neonatal care but also enhance the skill development of health workers. He underlined SBI’s motto “Jeevanam” and highlighted the bank’s social responsibility initiatives, including work on clubfoot treatment, cardiac, kidney, liver, and cancer care. Dr. Dheeraj Kumar, DGM, SBI, emphasized the bank’s commitment to meaningful social engagement through the Foundation.
Providing further details, Mukesh Sharma, Executive Director of PSI India, and Hitesh Sahni, Program Director, explained that the first phase would focus on upgrading delivery wards, newborn care areas, nursing stations, and hand hygiene infrastructure in the selected CHCs.
Dr. Sharda Choudhary, Additional Director, RCH, noted that targeted interventions in maternal and child health have already yielded significant results, but community-level engagement and workforce training remain crucial. Dr. Shamita Pradhan, Deputy GM, Maternal & Child Health, NHM UP, outlined existing government initiatives like the Janani Suraksha Yojana, Janani Shishu Suraksha Yojana, and the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, which have contributed to lowering maternal and infant mortality rates.
The event was moderated by Shubhra Trivedi of PSI India and concluded with a vote of thanks by Samrendra Behera, Deputy Director, PSI India.
Senior officials from the National Health Mission, UNICEF, Save the Children, Educate Girls, IPAS, Mamta, CII, and several healthcare consultants and PSI representatives were also present.
