PATNA: In a novel way to promote family planning among migrant workers who have returned to the state, the Bihar government is distributing contraceptives and condoms to the labourers after they have completed the mandatory 14-day quarantine. In addition to the family planning kits, it is also giving cash of `500 to each of them.
The distribution of the contraceptives has already started in Gopalganj, Samastipur, Rohtas, East Champaran, Chapra, Supaul and Jamui districts. "I have been given a packet containing condoms and anti-pregnancy pills when I along with 20 others was discharged from the quarantine centre recently," said a migrant labourer from Gopalganj, appreciating the initiative.
The state health department said the migrant workers, even while they were in quarantine, were counselled on the ways of practicing safe family planning methods without hampering their conjugal life.
The health department roped in Asha workers, ANMs and other health personnel to gift the family planning kits to the married migrant workers. According to a rough estimate, more than two lakh kits have already been distributed in the last few days.
Manoj Kumar, executive director of the Bihar State Health Society, said the unique initiative had been undertaken without much publicity. "It is also being done during the house to house surveys by health personnel. It is relevant to promote family planning," he said.
He said the lockdown could give rise to unwanted pregnancies. "So to prevent it safely such an initiative is relevant," Kumar said.