Shillong, Feb 2: The Primary Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre (PNRC) and the Chief Minister’s Safe Motherhood Scheme (CMSMS) Transit Home were officially inaugurated at Ampati Civil Hospital today.
According to the DMCHO Dr. Noreen Sangma, the PNRC will function to improve the physical, mental, and social development of children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM). The centre will provide specialized medical and nutritional care, promote weight gain, reduce co-morbidities, and improve survival and overall outcomes of children identified and referred by ASHAs and AWWs for early intervention to prevent complications arising from malnutrition.
Transit Homes are a key component of the CMSMS, under which boarding, lodging, and food facilities are provided to pregnant women and their accompanying family members. Transit Homes serve as a temporary home for pregnant women with high-risk complications and those from hard-to-reach areas, enabling them to stay at least one week prior to their expected date of delivery to avoid delays during childbirth.
CMSMS aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality in the state by offering free transportation to and from health facilities, ANM mobility for home visits, childcare support during delivery, and the provision of Transit Homes.
South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Anendya Raajsshre attended the inaugural programme in the presence of Medical Superintendent of Ampati Civil Hospital, senior health officials, hospital staff, ASHAs and ASHA facilitators, among others.
The Deputy Commissioner expressed hope that the establishment of the PNRC and the Transit Home would significantly strengthen maternal and child nutrition and healthcare services in the district. She lauded the Health Department for its commendable performance and described working with the department as “motivating.”
Commending the dedicated efforts of ASHAs and AWWs, she urged them to continue their work to further reduce Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and to improve overall health indicators, with the vision of making the district one of the best performers not only in the state but also in the country. She also assured full administrative support to help Ampati Civil Hospital emerge as a model and best performing healthcare institution in the state.
