Assam plans to home-deliver contraceptives in 8 districts

The National Health Mission (NHM), Assam, is rolling out a slew of measures, including home delivery of contraceptives and higher incentives for male and female sterilisation, in eight select districts for the forthcoming World Population Day on July 11.

The decision comes close on the heels of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma expressing concern over population growth, particularly among immigrant Muslims in the state. For female sterilisation as per the current family planning programme in aspirational and Mission Parivar Vikas districts, namely Baksa, Barpeta, Darrang, Dhubri, Goalpara, Hailakandi, Karimganj, and Udalguri, the incentive is Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 depending on the type of method (PPS/Minilap/LS).

For other districts, the incentive is Rs 1,400 to Rs 2,200. For male sterilisation, the incentive is Rs 3,000 in the aspirational and MPV districts and Rs 2,000 in case of other districts, the NHM said in a statement.

“Another focus will be on the home delivery of contraceptives so that clients can be provided services at the doorstep,” the statement said.

It said last year, amid Covid pandemic, Assam performed 835 sterilisations, conducted 20,848 IUCD insertions, while 7,136 Antara injections were administered and 7,02,229 condoms and 4,41,263 oral contraceptives distributed during WPD.