Family planning: Govt offers mix of contraceptives to women

Seeking to offer women a broader basket of choice for family planning, the government has introduced a mix of contraceptives, which include injectables and oral pills, Union minister JP Nadda said on Tuesday.

“As a part of our continued efforts to offer Indian women a broader basket of choice, a method mix of contraceptives – injectables, centchroman and Progestogen-Only Pill (POPs) – have now been introduced in the public health system under the National Family Planning programme. The improved access to contraceptives will address all development dimensions,” he said.

Nadda also launched a logo, a 360-degree communication plan, aiming to generate awareness on family planning, besides a packaging for contraceptive ‘Nirodh’ during the two-day National Summit on Family Planning here.

He said actor Amitabh Bachchan is the brand ambassador and anchor for the new communication approach.

“There has been a paradigm shift and family planning has now emerged as a key strategy to reduce maternal and child mortalities and morbidities. A comprehensive strategy has been worked out, where maternal and child health and well-being have been placed at the centrepoint of the new approach,” he said.

The promotion of family planning and ensuring access to preferred contraceptive methods for women and couples is “essential” for securing the well-being and autonomy of women, the minister said.