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In its guidelines released on Wednesday, 27 May, the health ministry of India asserted the need for the constant provision of essential services related to reproductive, maternal newborn, child and adolescent health, and nutrition (RMNCAH+N) during and post the COVID-19 pandemic.
While these services had been deemed ‘essential’ in mid-April itself, the new guidelines reiterate that ‘it is important to ensure the availability of these services during this period as any denial can have an impact on maternal and newborn mortalities, morbidities as well as the health care costs’.
FIT had earlier reported on how despite being essential, abortion and pregnancy services have been inaccessible for a lot of people during the lockdown.
The guidelines also elaborate exactly how the various RMNCAH+N services are to be provided at different levels in accordance with the zonal categorization of containment zones, buffer zones and beyond.
Any area exiting a 'containment/buffer zone' can start RMNCAH+N activities as listed in 'areas beyond buffer zone' after a minimum gap of 14 days following delisting. An area entering a 'containment and buffer zone' should restrict these activities immediately.
The following campaign mode services can be provided on an alternative mechanism like through home delivery of essential services & commodities etc. based on local situation:
The Ministry asserted that critical services for women, children and adolescents should be provided irrespective of their COVID-19 status and under no circumstances should there be a denial of essential services.
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