(a) whether the Union Government proposed to set up maternity huts in each village with all necessary facilities;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Union Government extend financial assistance to States for this purpose;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefore?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) to (e) The National Population Policy, 2000 envisages the integrated convergence of service delivery at village level with the objective of achieving the goals of population stabilization. One intervention that would facilitate integrated service delivery is the setting up of maternity huts at village levels. Ideally, the maternity hut could be equipped with midwifery and delivery kits, basic medication for obstetric care, supplies of contraceptives and medicines for common ailments; also indigenous medicines and supplies for maternal and newborn care. The Gram Panchayat could appoint a competent and mature midwife, to look after this village maternity hut. She could be assisted by volunteers.
The rural health infrastructure is normally set up by the state governments. Under the Reproductive Child Health and other programmes, the Central Government may supplement the efforts of the state governments.