In a major move by the state government to promote institutional delivery in a government hospital, ‘KCR Kits Scheme’ will be officially launched at the Government Maternity Hospital located in Petlaburj, Old City on Saturday.
The scheme focuses on welfare of women and newborns and offers financial assistance to poor pregnant women in the state.
The Rs. 2000 worth kit consist of soaps for mother and child, baby oil, a cradle, mosquito net, dresses, sarees, handbag, towels, napkins, powder, diapers, shampoo and toys for the child.
According to The Hindu, the state government will provide Rs. 15,000 to the mother if she gives birth to a girl and Rs. 14,000 in the case of a baby boy.
This step has been taken to reduce infant mortality rate and encourage institutional deliveries in government hospitals. The scheme will reportedly be applicable for two deliveries.
Health authorities have collected the Aadhaar card data of existing beneficiaries and training field level health care workers to work on the implementation of the scheme.
Officials have told Telangana Today that close to 2.70 lakh pregnant women are expected to be covered.
It was also reported that the health progress of the mother will be monitored by field level health workers.
The funds would be directly transferred to the bank accounts of pregnant women in four installments.
The women would receive the first installment of Rs. 3000 for nutrition, after receiving the mother-child protection card and a minimum of two tests.
The second installment of Rs. 5000 (Rs. 4000 for baby boy) along with the KCR Kit will be paid after the delivery. The third and fourth installment of Rs. 2000 and Rs. 3000 will be paid at the vaccination stages of the child.