The scheme has been launched in association with Ipas, a global non-profit organization which works to increase women’s ability to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights, especially the right to safe abortion. Ipas would provide technical assistance to the state government in implementing the scheme which would be available to women free of cost.
Inaugurating the scheme, health minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey said the scheme is a significant step in the direction of improving women’s health. It would help reduce maternal mortality rate in the state, which at 312 is more than the national average of 254 per lakh. Around 100 private clinics would be empanelled every year to provide free abortion services to the women. Health workers such as Asha personnel and ANMs would be imparted training to generate awareness about safe abortion services.
Choubey expressed concern over dwindling sex ratio in the state. According to 2011 census, the male: female ratio in the state is 1000:916, which was 1000:921 in 2001, he said and added population control measures also need to be adopted as the state’s total fertility rate is 3.9%, higher than 2.6% nationally.
Health secretary Sanjay Kumar said abortion is legal in India since 1971. However, safe and legal abortion services are not easily available. Five lakh abortions take place every year in Bihar, most of which are unsafe and performed in unhygienic condition by untrained professionals. The ‘Yukti’initiative would make safe abortion services available at government hospitals and private health sites, he said.
Kumar said the scheme is open to private sector health sites, willing to work together with the state government. These health sites would provide free abortion services up to 12 weeks’ gestation period and treat abortion complications. The state government would reimburse the cost of drugs as well as other recurring costs.
Ipas country director Vinoj Manning said around 80% of abortions are unsafe and illegal. The ‘Yukti’ scheme would help women exercise their right to safe abortions.
A toll free number (1800 102 84 64) was also launched on the occasion. Details regarding the service can be gathered by making a call to this number. State minister for social welfare Parveen Amanullah, who was the chief guest on the occasion, launched the service by dialling the number. Three private clinics in Bhojpur district were given accreditation to provide the abortion services, to begin with.