‘VIKAS’ drive to promote vasectomy

In a concerted effort to address public health concerns and enhance family planning practices, the Paderu sub-divisional administration has launched the ‘VIKAS’ initiative (Vasectomy Initiative: Knowledge, Access, and Support). This program, spearheaded by Sub-Collector Dhatri Reddy in collaboration with the Chintapalli police department and the Medical Department, actively promotes vasectomy as a safe and effective family planning method.
The initiative achieved a significant milestone on Thursday with a specialised medical team completing 130 vasectomy procedures at GK Veedhi. VIKAS specifically targets promoting vasectomy as a superior alternative to tubectomy, particularly for women suffering from anaemia. This approach significantly reduces the risks associated with major surgeries and minimizes maternal mortality due to blood loss.
Speaking at the launch, Sub-Collector Reddy emphasized that VIKAS extends beyond immediate medical benefits. The program fosters improved overall community well-being by ensuring better nutrition and increased resource allocation for smaller families. This, in turn, fosters educational opportunities and promotes sustainable living practices. VIKAS strategically tackles the challenges of awareness, accessibility, and cultural hesitations surrounding vasectomy. The government actively supports the initiative by equipping all primary healthcare centres (PHCs) with the necessary facilities to perform these procedures. Additionally, financial incentives and insurance coverage are provided to encourage participation.
Sub-Collector Reddy commended the police department for their active involvement beyond their core duties. She reiterated the program’s objective to make vasectomy procedures readily available at every PHC, improving access throughout the region. To achieve this goal, VIKAS incorporates training programs to expand the pool of qualified medical professionals who can perform the surgery.
Highlighting the broader social impact, Additional SP Kishore cited the tragic cycle of maternal deaths leading to vulnerable orphans susceptible to Naxal recruitment. He highlighted that smaller family sizes can mitigate such social issues by promoting better educational opportunities and reducing inheritance disputes over land. Additional SP Kishore urged Naxals to engage with such awareness initiatives to genuinely benefit the tribal communities they claim to represent, advocating for peaceful solutions over violence.