Reproductive and Child Health (RCH)

India’s National Rural Health Mission was launched in April 2005 with a strong commitment to reduce maternal and infant mortality and provide universal access to the public health service; this began with the Reproductive and Child Health Programme (RCH-I). The second phase, (RCH-II), is an integral and important component of this mission. The World Bank is providing the US$360 million credit for this RCH-II Project, building in their previously learnt lessons. 

Calcutta Rescue is working with the Government of India Reproductive Child Health (RCH) programme under the Field Non Government Organisation - Mother Non Government Organisation (FNGO-MNGO) scheme in the South-West of Kolkata (Ward 82). The area has a very high population density, mainly of poor socio economic status with an extremely poor literacy rate. The health and hygiene conditions of the slums leave much to be desired.  The Ante-Natal Care status of pregnant women was found to be well below standard, child immunisation unsatisfactory and awareness on other health issues limited.  The CR team of dedicated Health Workers is addressing these issues to improve the quality of life for this marginalized population.

CR’s was approved as a partner by the mother NGO, India, in June 2006 and, following an orientation training programme, the work began.  This educational and practical approach involves peer education, addressing adolescent problems, family planning, immunisation, childcare, natal care, neonatal care, breastfeeding, nutrition, free condom dispensing, etc.  High targets were set by BAM (Brothers All Men) but, as the table below shows, all set targets were exceeded.

RCH-II COMPARATIVE FORMAT (APRIL’08 to MARCH 09)

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