Patna: The State Health Committee of Bihar has launched a statewide Male Sterilization Fortnight starting today, aiming to accelerate family planning awareness and encourage shared responsibility among couples. The 22-day campaign will see special camps organized across district hospitals, sub-health centers, and urban primary health centers, offering male sterilization, female sterilization, and temporary contraceptive methods to the public.
Free Contraceptives and Temporary Family Planning Services
Under the campaign, couples will have access to free contraceptives such as pills, Copper-T IUDs, Antara injections, and the weekly pill ‘Chhaya’. This year’s campaign is themed “Healthy and Happy Families: Realizing the Dream Through Male Participation”, highlighting the importance of men’s active involvement in family planning.
Couple Contact Week: November 21–27
The first phase of the campaign, called Couple Contact Week, will run from November 21 to 27. During this period, health department staff, ASHA workers, and Anganwadi employees will visit households to engage directly with couples, provide information on family planning options, and address queries regarding contraceptive methods.
Service Fortnight: November 28–December 12
Following Couple Contact Week, a Service Fortnight will be observed from November 28 to December 12, involving a wider range of stakeholders including MLAs, MPs, Panchayati Raj members, urban local bodies, civil society members, and health workers. The objective is to maximize outreach and encourage community-wide participation in family planning initiatives.
Community Engagement Initiatives
To enhance awareness, the campaign is also employing ‘Sarathi Vehicles’ (e-rickshaws) to reach both urban and rural communities. In addition, mother-in-law, daughter-in-law, and daughter conferences are being conducted at health centers to promote social dialogue and informed decision-making on family planning.
State Health Committee’s Role
The State Health Committee has sent instructions to AIIMS, IGIMS, all civil surgeons, and department officials to ensure smooth implementation of the campaign. Through this initiative, Bihar aims to strengthen male participation in family planning, increase access to contraceptive services, and foster healthier, happier families across the state.
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