NewKerala.com

Key Points

Union Health Minister JP Nadda emphasized the importance of planned parenthood for maternal and child health on World Population Day. He highlighted government initiatives like Ayushman Arogya Mandirs providing family planning services. Experts suggest shifting focus from population numbers to women’s empowerment and healthcare access. The discussion also called for gender equality and informed reproductive choices in policymaking.

Key Points: JP Nadda Stresses Planned Parenthood on World Population Day

  • Nadda advocates informed parenthood for maternal and child health
  • Ayushman Arogya Mandirs provide family planning services nationwide
  • India’s population growth requires focus on women’s empowerment
  • Experts call for policies prioritizing healthcare and reproductive autonomy
2 min read

World Population Day: Planned parenthood key for better maternal, child health, says Nadda

Health Minister JP Nadda highlights the importance of planned parenthood and maternal health on World Population Day, emphasizing informed family planning.

"Healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy ensures better health for mother and child – JP Nadda"

New Delhi, July 11

Planned parenthood is essential for achieving healthy outcomes in maternal and child health, said Union Health Minister JP Nadda on World Population Day on Friday.

World Population Day is observed every year on July 11. This year’s theme is "Healthy Timing and Spacing of Pregnancy for the Health and Well-being of Mother and Child.

"World Population Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about family planning and renew our commitment to addressing population-related challenges," Nadda said in a post on social media platform X.

"This year’s theme highlights the importance of planned parenthood for healthy outcomes for maternal and child health," he added.

Nadda also stressed this year’s slogan: “माँ बनने की उम्र वही, जब तन और मन की तैयारी सही”, loosely translated as the "right age to become a mother is when the mind and the body is ready".

The Union Health Minister said the slogan "emphasises the importance of informed and empowered decisions for parenthood with physical and emotional preparedness".

He added that "public health facilities including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, the Central Government is delivering essential family planning services across the nation".

These centres are "empowering families and paving the way for a healthier India," Nadda said.

India is home to over 1.46 billion people, making it the world's most populous country, after China.

Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director, of the Population Foundation of India, told IANS that the conversation must shift from numbers to women’s empowerment.

"India’s population story is not one of crisis, but of possibility, if we invest in women, young people, and address the needs of our growing elderly population," Muttreja said.

Pointing out the declining fertility rate, Muttreja said the "focus must be on quality healthcare, education, skilling, and job creation. True development and economic growth doesn’t come from forcibly influencing reproductive decisions, but from empowering individuals especially women to make informed choices about their bodies and lives".

She urged the need for shared responsibility, gender equality, and reproductive autonomy while making policies and programmes.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Good initiative but implementation is key. In rural areas, many women still don't have access to proper family planning methods. Government should focus more on ground-level awareness campaigns.
A
Aditya G
While I appreciate the sentiment, we must be careful not to make this another tool for gender discrimination. The responsibility of family planning should be shared equally between men and women.
S
Sarah B
As an expat living in India, I'm impressed by how progressive this messaging is compared to many Western countries. The focus on women's health and empowerment through Ayushman centers is commendable.
K
Karthik V
The declining fertility rate shows our youth are already making smart choices. Now government should focus on creating enough jobs and infrastructure for this demographic dividend instead of just population control talks.
N
Nisha Z
मैं पूरी तरह सहमत हूँ! In villages, many girls become mothers at 18-20 without proper health knowledge. We need sex education in schools and better access to contraceptives. Healthier mothers = healthier India 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
Interesting perspective shift from numbers to empowerment. India's approach could become a model for other developing nations if executed properly. The challenge will be changing deep-root

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50