Jaya Inaugurates New Scheme for Expectant and Lactating Mothers

CHENNAI: Brand ‘Amma’ got another addition on Monday with Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa launching the Amma Magapperu Sanjeevani (a pack of 11 siddha medicines) which enhances the health of women at every stage of their pregnancy and after delivery. The scheme is being implemented at a cost of Rs.10 crore. Five pregnant women received this pack from the Chief Minister in person at the Secretariat.

While *Madhulai Manappagu* (a syrup with pomegranate as main ingredient) and Karuveppilai podi (curry leaves powder) are given during the first three months of pregnancy, *annabedhi mathirai*, *nellikkaai lehyam* and *Elathi Choornam mathirai* are given during the fourth to sixth month of pregnancy. Similarly, *Ulundhu Thailam* is administered during the last three months to manage hip pain and stomach pain. *Kunthiriga Thailam* and *Bhavana Panchangula Thailam* are used to facilitate comfortable delivery. To cater to the needs of lactating mothers, *Sathavari lehyam* and *Pinda Thailam* are given. Further, to manage the illnesses that might affect the babies in early stages, *Urai Mathirai* is given.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister inaugurated new buildings for the Health Department built at a cost of Rs.42.16 crore, across the State. Theyinclude silver jubilee guest house and other facilities of Dr MGR Medical University (Rs.15.16 crore), Liver transplant theatre in Stanley hospital in Chennai and post-operation monitoring units in the government hospitals at Arupukottai, Rajapalayam and Kariyapatti. Nurses training centre in Poovandhi in Sivaganga district, 12 improved Primary Health Centres at Tiruvallur, Tirunelveli, Salem, Cuddalore, Coimbatore, Tiruvannamalai, Virudhunagar, Dindigul, Kancheepuram, Villupuram and Dharmapuri and MRI scanner in children’s hospital in Egmore, were some other new facilities inaugurated by the Chief Minister.

She also commenced the distribution of 100 CUG mobile phones to implement the Health Department Vehicles Information and Complaint Redressal Programme.