Hyderabad: The ‘KCR Kits’, a first of its kind programme launched by the TRS Government in the State in June 2017, has not only proved to be a boon to the poorer sections, but also helped in increasing the number of deliveries in Government Hospitals from 30 per cent during 2017-18 to 51 per cent of late. Officials expect that the percentage would further go up to 58 per cent by end of this fiscal.
The programme has also received appreciation from several national agencies, and some other State Governments are contemplating on replicating it. Nearly four lakh pregnant women have availed the benefits under the scheme so far across the State. The scheme was introduced to encourage deliveries in Government hospitals for the safety of mothers and children. Under the programme, Rs.12,000 is being given to each pregnant woman who opts Government hospitals for delivery. In case a woman delivers a girl child, another Rs.1,000 is being given. This is in addition to the KCR kit which contains 16 items, worth Rs.2,000, which are needed by the mother and child, soon after delivery.
According to officials, the programme has benefited over 3. 93 lakh women in the State, while the Government has incurred a sum of over Rs.473 crore. The Medical and Health Department has made necessary arrangements to provide the cash and supply the KCR kits to all the women who opt the Government hospitals for deliveries. The Government has also taken steps to improve the conditions in Government Hospitals at different levels, providing necessary equipments and lab testing facilities, and this also has helped in boosting up the deliveries in Government Hospitals.
It may be mentioned here that the KCR kits programme is one among the welfare schemes which has boosted the image of the TRS Government and helped in the party securing thumping majority in the State Assembly elections held recently. (NSS)
