THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, November 13: Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari today launched Jharkhand’s State-Level Male Sterilization Campaign and Felicitation Ceremony at the IPH Auditorium in Namkum, urging men to take equal responsibility in family planning. The campaign will continue until December 20, 2025.
Campaign Flagged Off to Spread Awareness
Dr. Ansari flagged off the Male Sterilisation Awareness Chariot and a Postal Department vehicle to promote awareness statewide.
He said family planning is not merely about population control but about healthy families, safe motherhood, and a stronger society.
“Family planning should not rest only with women. Men must come forward to share this responsibility. Sterilisation is safe, simple, and effective—we must remove myths surrounding it,” he said.
The minister also announced the recruitment of 8,500 technical and non-technical health workers to improve healthcare delivery.
NABL-Certified Hospital and MoU with Postal Department
Dr. Ansari felicitated Ranchi Sadar Hospital, the state’s first hospital to receive NABL certification, acknowledging the efforts of the State Nodal Officer, PHQA Advisor, Ranchi Civil Surgeon, and staff.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the National Health Mission (NHM) and the Indian Postal Department, Jharkhand Circle, for the distribution of family planning materials through India Post’s parcel network. The partnership aims to ensure timely delivery to all health centres and strengthen the mission of “Healthy Jharkhand, Happy Jharkhand.”
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Officials Highlight Progress and New Methods
Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh said family planning forms the foundation of social and economic progress, praising health workers for their role in advancing male participation.
NHM Director Shashi Prakash Jha reported major progress: the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen from 3.5 to 2.3, while the Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) has increased from 35.7% to 61.7%. He emphasised that vasectomy is safe and effective and essential for sustaining these gains.
State Nodal Officer Dr. Pushpa said Jharkhand’s unmet need has dropped to 10%, while the use of temporary methods has risen. “This is not just a health program but a campaign of equality and accountability,” she said.
Two new contraceptive methods — MPA-SC and Implant — were launched, along with a short film dedicated to ASHA workers.
Health Workers and Institutions Felicitated
The event honoured 37 health institutions, 19 master trainers, 10 surgeons, 10 ASHAs, and several others for outstanding contributions to family welfare programs.
Dignitaries present included former Rajya Sabha MP Pradeep Balmuchu, Director of Postal Services B.R. Chaudhary, Director of Health Services Siddharth Sanyal, and civil surgeons from all districts.
