SUMAN scheme launched in Dimapur and Wokha

Dimapur, Oct. 22 (EMN): The office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Dimapur, has launched Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) scheme and also observed Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day in its conference hall on October 21. The SUMAN scheme was launched by Yanthungbemo, SDO (C) of Dimapur.

Speaking at the launch programme, Dr. Rebecca, DPO RCH-UIP, stated that SUMAN scheme aims at providing dignified and quality healthcare free of cost to every woman and newborn visiting a public health facility. She added that SUMAN scheme is part of the initiative by government of India to prevent maternal and newborn deaths in the country.

Under the scheme, pregnant women, mothers up to 6 months after delivery and all sick newborns will be able to avail free healthcare benefits, she said.

An update from CMO’s office stated that the deputy CMO, Dr. Antoly Suu, has presented on iodine deficiency disorders. She stated that the day is observed to spread awareness on the importance of iodine in daily diet.

The programme was attended by medical officers and healthcare workers, representatives from all health units, village health committee members, and staff under CMO Dimapur.

In a related programme, the sub-divisional officer (SDO) of Wokha, Tsidi, launched the Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) scheme at Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital in Wokha town on October 21.

Stating that government implements many health policies, Tsidi called upon the healthcare workers to ensure that those policies are successful. He also assured support from the district administration in all health programmes, stated an update from CMO’s office.

The chief medical officer (CMO) of Wokha, Dr. Toshirenla, welcomed the SDO (Civil) and DH staff to the programme. She informed that SUMAN was launched in 2019 with an aim to provide quality services to pregnant women and expressed hope that launching of the scheme would benefit the beneficiaries in the district.

Brief introduction on SUMAN was delivered by Dr. Azo Louis Kharutso, Obs & Gynae at District Hospital, Wokha, where he emphasised on the importance of providing dignified quality care to the mother and child.

He mentioned that SUMAN, an extended version of Lakshya which was launched in 2017, aims at providing assured maternity services. Dr. Azo stated that the government of India targeted to achieve zero maternal and infant mortality by giving those services to pregnant women at health facilities. He further called upon the stakeholders to create awareness on the services available for pregnant women at health centres.