Odisha Govt Adds 2 More Contraceptive Choices For Women To Family Planning Basket

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Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has added two more contraceptive methods for women in its Family Planning Basket of Choice.

The Health and Family Welfare department launched the two contraceptives – subdermal implant and Antara injection – at a function in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.

In the birth control method of subdermal implant, a flexible plastic rod about the size of a matchstick will be placed under the skin of left upper arm of the woman. The implant, which can be used for 3 years, will secrete a hormone which will prevent conception.

The Antara injectable contraceptive was the second choice that was introduced in the programme. The reversible contraception method can help the women prevent conception for 3 months after taking the injection once.

Initially, the two contraception methods have been launched in Ganjam, Cuttack, Gajapati and Balasore district.

Releasing a roadmap for Family Planning 2030 on the occasion, Health director Bijay Panigrahi said the fertility rate in the state at present stands at 1.8 which is less than the normal rate of 2.1. The roadmap aims at reaching the Family Planning Basket to 100% population of the state, he added.