With a view to promote institutional deliveries, National Rural Health Mission and Orissa Health & Family Welfare Department have collectively introduced a new scheme known as ‘Janani Express’ to provide nonstop free transportation facilities to pregnant women

Under the plan, all expectant mothers would get free transportation facility to health centres and hospitals for delivery. It would benefit the women to cope with emergencies, which arise during pre as well as post-delivery periods.

The official sources said that the novel plan will be implemented in 124 blocks having a delivery load of over 50 and more per month.

In addition to pregnant women, sick babies too will be allowed for the transportation service.

Equipped with necessary facilities, the vehicles used for transportation will be available at government hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres and other such suitable place in the respective blocks.

The drivers would also have cell phones so that they can supply information about the health status of the patients to the hospital.

While ‘Janani Express’ will be clearly mentioned on both front and rear of the vehicle, contact telephone numbers will also be written.

Regions where mobile facility is not accessible, the land line telephone numbers of the hospital would be mentioned.

The scheme is projected to help reduce both infant and maternal death rates in the State.