BHUBANESWAR: With Odisha focusing more on promoting spacing methods to stabilise population, involvement of male members in family planning programme in the State has witnessed a continuous improvement in the last four years.
Statistics indicate that male sterilisation (vasectomy) has gone up from 1,923 in 2013 to 2,632 in 2016 while female sterilisation (tubectomy) has declined by around 13 per cent during the period.
The number of tubectomy surgeries has come down from 1,36,951 in 2013 to 1,03,320 in 2014, followed by 1,14,408 in 2015 and 1,05,039 in 2016. As many as 2,065 men had undergone vasectomy in 2014, followed by 2,226 in 2015.
The proportion of people preferring male sterilisation has also increased from 1.4 per cent in 2013 to 2.4 per cent last year. Most of the literate States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra have, however, recorded a low percentage of male sterilisation.Stating that population stabilisation movement in Odisha was revitalised in 2010, Director (Family Welfare) Dr Sarat Chandra Sahu said the State has significantly improved family planning service delivery, both in quality and quantity since then.
Apart from identification, sensitisation and registration of desirous couples for male contraception by ANMs, Asha workers and other health staff, special focus is being given to promote male involvement in family planning.
“We need to stop referring to family planning, sexual and reproductive health as women’s issues. They are as much men’s issues, and issues of social justice and human dignity. Family planning is important since it is directly linked to the health of women, children and families,” said Dr Sahu.The health officials are expecting a further rise in vasectomy numbers as along with awareness campaigns across the State, focus is being given to urban areas especially slums which have a high unmet need for modern contraceptives.
While orientation and sensitisation of ANMs and Asha workers in all urban health facilities have been conducted, strengthening of community mobilisation activities have been undertaken by utilising Mahila Arogya Samitis and other community platforms.
Joint Director (Family Welfare) Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty said, steps have also been taken to strengthen family planning counselling at urban health facilities for promoting vasectomy services among eligible couples.The State is observing ‘Vasectomy Fortnight’ in two phases - mobilisation phase till November 27 and service delivery phase from November 28 to December 4.