MPPSC Mains PYQs

Problem of Institutional Delivery in Tribal Areas

Institutional delivery, where women give birth in health facilities like hospitals or clinics, faces several challenges in tribal areas. Despite efforts to improve maternal health, tribal communities often experience poor access to institutional deliveries.

Key Challenges:

• Geographical Barriers:
  • Many tribal areas are remote and poorly connected to main roads or transportation systems. This makes it difficult for pregnant women to reach health centers, especially during labor. For example, women in hilly regions might have to travel long distances to find a hospital.
• Cultural and Social Factors:
  • In some tribal communities, there is a strong preference for home births due to traditional beliefs and practices. Women and families may feel more comfortable with local midwives or family members assisting with delivery rather than medical professionals.
• Lack of Infrastructure:
  • Health facilities in tribal areas are often under-equipped and understaffed. Many do not have essential resources like skilled birth attendants or necessary medical supplies, leading to a lack of confidence in institutional delivery.

Example:

• In some tribal areas, even when women want to use health facilities, they face delays or difficulties due to inadequate transport or lack of healthcare workers.

These challenges contribute to low institutional delivery rates, increasing the risk for both mothers and babies. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving maternal health in tribal regions.

Role of ASHA in Taking Health Services to Rural Women

The Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) scheme is an important initiative by the Indian Government to improve healthcare access in rural areas. ASHAs are women from the local community who are trained to provide basic health services and information.

Key Responsibilities:

• Health Education and Awareness:
  • ASHAs educate rural women about basic health practices, maternal care, hygiene, and disease prevention. For instance, they teach the importance of prenatal check-ups and vaccinations for children.
• Access to Healthcare:
  • ASHAs act as intermediaries between the rural community and healthcare systems. They help women access medical services, such as arranging for visits to health centers or providing information on government health schemes.
• Maternal and Child Health:
  • They play a crucial role in maternal and child health, ensuring pregnant women receive proper antenatal care and encouraging safe deliveries. They also track child immunizations and growth monitoring.

Example:

• In many rural areas, ASHAs have helped reduce maternal mortality by ensuring more women attend childbirth in health facilities.

Through their community involvement, ASHAs help bridge the gap between health services and rural women, improving overall health outcomes.

Capacity Development Programme of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

The Capacity Development (CD) Programme of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) helps countries strengthen their economic institutions and policies. This programme supports nations in building the necessary skills and knowledge to design and manage effective economic policies.

Key Objectives:

• Enhance Policy Effectiveness: It provides technical assistance and training to help countries improve their financial systems, fiscal policies, and economic management.
• Build Strong Institutions: The IMF works with governments to develop institutions that can manage economies effectively and sustainably.

Key Components of the IMF’s Capacity Development:

• Technical Assistance: Experts provide advice and hands-on support to improve economic systems (e.g., tax systems, public finance management, monetary policy).
• Training: The IMF offers training programs for government officials, helping them understand global financial systems, economic analysis, and policy formulation.

Examples of Support:

• Public Financial Management: Helping countries design efficient budget systems.
• Monetary Policy Frameworks: Assisting central banks in improving monetary policy operations.

The IMF’s Capacity Development Programme is critical in empowering countries to face economic challenges and improve their overall economic performance.