In a concerted effort to improve maternal and infant healthcare, the state health department has unveiled plans to establish 600 Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) centers across the state for the fiscal year 2023-2024. As part of this initiative, Pune will witness the setup of ten comprehensive mother and child care centers, prioritizing care during conception, pregnancy, and the critical six months post-delivery.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to enhance facilities at ten civic hospitals within the city to achieve the SUMAN initiative’s objectives. These centers will be strategically divided, with seven focusing on Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) and three dedicated to Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC).
The CEmONC centers, namely Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, Dalvi Hospital, and Matoshri Ramabai Ambedkar Maternity Home, will be located in Yerawada, Shivajinagar, and Ambil Odha, respectively. Additionally, the seven BEmONC centers include Late Namdevrao Shivarkar Maternity Home, Rajmata Jijau Maternity Home, Late Kashinath Anaji Dhankwade Maternity Home, Late Meenatai Thakre Maternity Home, Late Sakharam Kundlik Kodre Maternity Home, Late Jayabai Sutar Hospital, and Sonawane Maternity Home.
The selected centers will undergo infrastructure and screening facility upgrades, funded by the state government, building on the success of the Kamla Nehru Hospital’s upgrade last year. SUMAN centers aim to eliminate the need for patient referrals by providing screening tests, medicines, and facilities, ultimately contributing to the reduction of maternal and infant deaths.
Dr. Bhagwan Pawar, the health officer of PMC, highlighted that the centers will offer free, high-quality care for both mothers and children. He emphasized that CEmONC facilities will match private facilities and will undergo national quality assurance standards certification within six months of selection.
