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Rajasthan Introduces Prasav Sakhi System for High Risk Pregnancies

Source:freepressjournal ↗

Why It Matters

For RPSC RAS Prelims, state-specific welfare initiatives, especially those targeting maternal health and marginalized groups, are highly relevant. Knowledge of schemes like 'Prasav Sakhi' and the '104 Janani Express' is essential for questions on Rajasthan's public health administration and social governance.

Summary

The Rajasthan government has introduced the 'Prasav Sakhi' system across government hospitals to reduce maternal mortality and support high-risk pregnant women. Under this scheme, trained female health workers (Prasav Sakhis) will guide women through the entire delivery process, from hospital admission to postpartum discharge. This holistic support network integrates with the 104 Janani Express and round-the-clock help desks, targeting complications such as anaemia and hypertension following a recent screening of over 3.5 lakh women. The initiative aims to provide both medical and emotional backing, addressing recent regional spikes in maternal deaths.

Key Points

  • Rajasthan has launched the 'Prasav Sakhi' (Birthing Companion) system in government hospitals to assist high-risk pregnant women, particularly those suffering from anaemia, hypertension, or diabetes.
  • A state-wide screening campaign assessed 3.56 lakh pregnant women, identifying 37,558 as high-risk cases requiring specialized care.
  • Trained nursing staff, ANMs, or selected female health workers dressed in pink aprons will serve as Prasav Sakhis, offering end-to-end support from admission through postpartum care and discharge.
  • The system integrates with the '104 Janani Express' and new 24x7 Maternal and Child Health Help Desks, and is implemented across medical college-affiliated hospitals, district hospitals, and FRUs.
  • The initiative was fast-tracked in response to recent maternal deaths reported in Kota, Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Banswara.

Important Terms

Prasav Sakhi System

A Rajasthan government initiative deploying trained female healthcare workers wearing pink aprons to assist and monitor high-risk pregnant women in public hospitals from admission to postpartum discharge.

UPSC context

GS Paper II (Governance & Social Justice); crucial for evaluating maternal healthcare delivery, public service efficiency, and state-level social welfare schemes.

Source
104 Janani Express

A free, round-the-clock emergency transport service in Rajasthan designed to carry pregnant women and newborns to healthcare facilities to promote safe, institutional deliveries.

UPSC context

GS Paper II (Issues relating to Health); tests understanding of emergency transport networks, public health infrastructure, and maternal-infant welfare initiatives.

Source
High-Risk Pregnancy

A pregnancy that carries an elevated risk of health complications for the mother, fetus, or both, often due to pre-existing conditions like severe anemia, gestational diabetes, or hypertension.

UPSC context

GS Paper II (Issues relating to Health & Vulnerable Sections); relevant for analyzing targeted medical interventions and preventive policy designs.

Source
Maternal Mortality Ratio

The annual number of female deaths per 100,000 live births from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy or its management (excluding accidental causes).

UPSC context

GS Paper II (Social Sector/Health); key indicator for assessing healthcare access, gender-responsive public spending, and Sustainable Development Goal targets.

Prelims Trap

"Prasav Sakhi is a centrally sponsored scheme under the National Health Mission where ASHA workers are replaced."

Prasav Sakhi is a Rajasthan state initiative using trained nurses/ANMs, whereas the MoHFW's general "Birth Companion" guidelines encourage experienced female relatives.

Static Concepts Connected

Public Health / Social Justice

What is the LaQshya initiative?

  • Core Objective: Aims to improve the quality of care in labor rooms and maternity operation theatres across public health facilities.
  • Respectful Care: Promotes Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) to ensure dignity and prevent obstetric violence during labor.
  • Birth Companion: Mandates allowing a designated female birth companion during delivery to provide emotional and physical support.
Governance / E-Governance

How are high-risk pregnancies tracked digitally in India?

  • RCH Portal: The national RCH portal monitors eligible couples, pregnant women, and children for early identification of health issues.
  • State Portals (PCTS): State-specific platforms like Rajasthan's PCTS enable early registration (within 12 weeks) and daily monitoring of severe anemia or hypertension.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Digital Health & MMR Reduction

    Real-time tracking portals like PCTS combined with dedicated physical support (Prasav Sakhis) showcase a hybrid tech-human approach to lowering Maternal Mortality Rates (MMR) and achieving SDG 3.

  • State Customization of NHM Goals

    Rajasthan's deployment of trained ANMs as 'Sakhis' formalizes the Centre's 2016 "relative as birth companion" guideline, reflecting federal flexibility in adapting National Health Mission frameworks.

Expect a 2026 prelims statement mixing state-specific maternal initiatives (like Prasav Sakhi) with Central programs like LaQshya & SUMAN.

Linked PYQs · 2

Linked PYQs · 2

  • 2023RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Which scheme aims to improve the health and nutritional status of pregnant women and lactating mothers and their infants (0 to 6 months) by promoting the use of appropriate practices, care, and services during pregnancy, safe delivery, and breastfeeding?

  • 2021RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Identify the incorrect characteristic of the 'Udan' scheme recently announced by the Rajasthan government