(a) whether as a first step towards implementing the National Population Policy, Delhi hospitals would include slums and villages in the National Capital region to provide total health care;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether this programme is likely to extended all the States;
(d) if so, the details in the time frame fixed in this regard; and
(e) the funds earmarked for the proposed?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (PROF. RITA VERMA)
(a) to (e) The Action Plan for implementation of the National Population Policy, 2000 envisages a comprehensive urban health care strategy inclusive of urban slums which will:
i) enable service delivery centres to provide comprehensive basic health, reproductive and child health services, in collaboration with the non-government sector and private sector as necessary;
ii) strengthen the social marketing programme in the urban slums and villages to increase outreach and coverage;
iii) initiate specially targeted information, education and communication campaigns in respect of family planning, immunization, ante-natal, and post natal checkups and other reproductive health care services; and
iv) link the provision of continued facilities to urban slum dwellers with their observance of the small family norm.
All the States/UTs have been requested to initiate further action in this regard.
In addition to the ongoing government funding towards population stabilisation, a National Population Stabilisation Fund with a seed money of Rs. 100 Crore has been set up to specifically aid projects designed to contribute to population stabilisation efforts inclusive of projects for urban slums. Additionally funds for supplies and equipment essential for meeting the unmet needs for contraception could be provided through re-appropriation within existing allocations or by additional resources being made available.