A health camp specifically offering antenatal care (ANC) was held at the Resubelpara Community Health Centre today with hundreds of expecting mothers attending.
On the spot OPD screening, ultrasound services and counseling to expectant mothers was undertaken by expert gynaecologists Dr Vince Chimpoo M Momin and Dr Abida M Marak.
Emphasising on the importance of early antenatal check-up during the first trimester, chief guest Torali K Marak, Assistant Commissioner of North Garo Hills pressed upon all expecting mothers to register and avail the ANC care and services being rendered by the medical department. Antenatal care, including check-ups and prenatal testing, is crucial in determining the overall health of the baby and the mother, she added.
Marak also urged the expecting mothers to cooperate with ASHA workers and health professionals for their and their babies’ care. Dr NR Marak informed the gathering that only 51 percent of expectant mothers had availed of ANC benefits in the past and this figure should increase in order to protect those women who have high risk pregnancies.
Others who spoke during the programme were Dr PSR Sangma, Dr RK Sangma and SG Momin. The latter spoke on the need for the intake of iron, folate and vitamins as well as a healthy diet for pregnant women.