REPRODUCTIVE AND CHILD HEALTH PROGRAMME - GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES

REPRODUCTIVE AND CHILD HEALTH PROGRAMME - GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES

The Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Programme is a comprehensive approach introduced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India under the National Health Mission (NHM). It aims to improve the reproductive health status of the population and reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality through a life-cycle approach.

In Ayurveda, reproductive health is closely associated with the concept of Garbha Sambhava Samagri (essential factors of conception) and the care of garbhini, sutika, and shishu as described in classical texts.

GOALS OF RCH PROGRAMME

• To reduce maternal mortality rate (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR).

• To provide universal access to reproductive health services, including family planning, antenatal care, safe delivery, and postnatal care.

• To ensure healthy survival of the newborn and child.

• To improve the overall quality of life of women and children through healthcare access and education.

• To promote responsible reproductive behavior and gender equality in health.

OBJECTIVES OF RCH PROGRAMME

• To provide essential obstetric care and reduce complications related to pregnancy and childbirth.

• To promote institutional deliveries through schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY).

• To ensure access to safe abortion services.

• To provide contraceptive services and encourage birth spacing.

• To prevent and manage reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• To provide nutritional support to pregnant and lactating mothers.

• To reduce the total fertility rate (TFR) to replacement levels.

• To improve child health through immunization, breastfeeding promotion, and control of common childhood illnesses.

STRATEGIES OF RCH PROGRAMME

1. ESSENTIAL MATERNAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES

• Regular Antenatal Check-Ups (ANC)

• Promotion of Tetanus Immunization, Iron & Folic Acid Supplementation, and calcium

• Institutional delivery under skilled birth attendants

• Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) at First Referral Units (FRUs)

• Postnatal care (PNC) up to 42 days after delivery

2. CHILD HEALTH STRATEGIES

• Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)

• Promotion of Exclusive Breastfeeding for 6 months

• Introduction of Complementary Feeding after 6 months

• Management of diarrhea with ORS and zinc, and acute respiratory infections (ARI)

• Home-based Newborn Care (HBNC) and Facility-based Newborn Care (FBNC)

3. FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES

• Promotion of modern contraceptive methods (IUCD, sterilization, pills, condoms)

• Ensuring accessibility and affordability of contraceptives

• Focus on male participation and counseling services

4. ADOLESCENT REPRODUCTIVE AND SEXUAL HEALTH (ARSH)

• Addressing the health needs of adolescents

• Promotion of menstrual hygiene, prevention of early pregnancy and STIs

• Counseling and education through Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs)

5. MANAGEMENT OF INFERTILITY

• Awareness and management of causes of infertility

• Support services including counseling, diagnostic services, and referral

6. PREVENTION & MANAGEMENT OF RTIs/STIs AND HIV/AIDS

• Syndromic management of infections

• Voluntary counseling and testing for HIV/AIDS

• Safe sex promotion and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT)

7. SCHEMES AND INTERVENTIONS UNDER RCH

• Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)

• Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)

• Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON RCH GOALS

सन्ततौ ह्यविकाराय गर्भिण्या आहिता क्रिया।
(Charaka Saṃhitā Śārīra Sthāna 8/32)
— All actions (chikitsā and ahāra-vihāra) done during pregnancy are aimed at the healthy development of the fetus and protection of the mother.

सर्वं हि गर्भिण्या कार्यं सुखप्रसवहेतवे॥
(Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya Uttara Tantra 2/9)
— Every regimen prescribed for the pregnant lady is aimed at safe and uncomplicated delivery.

शुक्रार्तवसमुत्थाने गर्भे दोषा न संस्थिताः।
(Suśruta Saṃhitā Śārīrasthāna 10/5)
— A well-balanced union of shukra and artava (sperm and ovum) ensures the health of the garbha (fetus), free from doshic disturbances.

GARBHINI PARICHARYA (ANTENATAL CARE)

• Monthly dietary and lifestyle regimens

• Use of medhya rasayanas, sattvika ahara, and stress-free environment

• Use of Rakta-shodhaka dravyas to prevent garbha vikriti

• Avoidance of vyayama, rajaswala sangama, agni, and shoka

SUTIKA PARICHARYA (POSTNATAL CARE)

• First 1.5 months (45 days) considered as delicate for sutika

• Deepana-pachana, snigdha ahara, and abhyanga

• Strengthening of apana vata with yoni-basti, pichu, and dhupana

KAUMARABHRITYA (CHILD CARE)

• Stanyapana (breastfeeding) within one hour of birth

• Use of ghṛta, madhu, bala churnam for immunity

• Ayurvedic lehana (herbal licking) and prashana practices

• Classical vaccines: Svarna prashana described for immunity enhancement

INTEGRATION OF MODERN STRATEGIES WITH AYURVEDA

• Encourage integration of Ayurvedic antenatal care into primary health care

• Utilize Ayurvedic immuno-modulators (rasayana) in pediatric health

• Promote safe delivery with both Ayurvedic and Allopathic collaboration in PHCs

• Inclusion of Ayurveda-based counseling in adolescent reproductive health

• Use of Ayurveda yoga & nutrition support in infertility management