Health Minister T Harish Rao said that the Telangana government is prioritising the health and
well-being of mothers and infants by creating a safety net for them through a plethora of
programmes within the healthcare system. He highlighted the various programmes initiated
under the leadership of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) that aim to provide
comprehensive care for mothers throughout their journey of motherhood.
The minister listed several initiatives implemented by the Telangana government to ensure the
safety and health of mothers and newborns. These initiatives include the KCR Nutrition Kit for
expecting mothers, the KCR Kit provided after childbirth, the Arogya Lakshmi programme to
provide nutritious food to infants and pregnant women, and the Arogya Mahila programme for
early identification and treatment of health issues. He said that the government has also
prioritised 100 per cent immunisation coverage to enhance disease resistance. Additionally, the
Amma Odi vehicles offer free travel services for mothers and infants, facilitating transportation
to and from hospitals.
Minister Harish Rao emphasised the success of these initiatives in reducing maternal deaths,
with Telangana ranking third in the country in this regard. He highlighted the significant decline
in maternal deaths, from 92 in 2014 to the current figure of 43. He attributed this
accomplishment to CM KCR's concern towards the health and welfare of mothers and female
children.
Acknowledging the invaluable role of mothers, Minister Harish Rao referred to them as warriors,
stating that they are irreplaceable in the world. He urged everyone to join the campaign to
reduce unnecessary abdominal incisions (C-section delivery) and alleviate the suffering of
mothers. In the light of World Mother's Day, he extended warm wishes to all mothers and
emphasised the collective responsibility to protect their health.
