Mangaluru: A day-long regional conference on “Motherhood shapes our Future, Let’s make it safe” was held on April 11 by Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing in association with Department of District Health & Family Welfare, Dakshina Kannada and A J Institute of Medical Sciences on the occasion of World Safe Motherhood Day.
Chief guest Dr. Ramakrishna Rao, District Health & Family Welfare officer inaugurated the conference by lighting the lamp. In his address, he said, “Death of child and mother is a universal concern. Earlier there was no count of such incidents in India due to late reporting, and reasons of death being unknown. But since the National Health Mission is in force, every mother is supposed to register with the concerned departments, and once registered they are tracked throughout the pre and post delivery process to give them best care wherever they are.”
Further he said, “While breast feeding is the best and essential food for the development of a child, few compromise safety to remain in shape. Presently, the Dakshina Kannada is working hard to archive the goal of less mortality during pre and post delivery period and to do this Government is supporting, motivating and giving awareness via various programs, some of which give financial aid to the new mothers. Also this regions has best medical setups – both private and public as compared to any other northern states.” He urged the public to make use of these advantages and to work together to create awareness about this.
Guest of honor Dr. Vatsala Kamath, HOD In-charge, AJ Institute of Medical Sciences said, “Every women has the right to live, to survive pregnancy and to get quality care. All stakeholders need to come together to achieve this and today’s conference is in right directions on this goal.”
Guest speakers Dr. Ashok H, RCH Officer, District Health & Family Welfare, Dakshina Kannada and Dr. Kishore Kumar M., T B and Chest Disease Hospital, Moodushedde; Dr Larissa Martha Sams, Principal, Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing; Dr Jenifer Dsouza, organising secretary and HOD Community Health Nursing, Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing; Saritha Hegde, District Supervisor DAPCU; Sandhya D Almeida, Organising Chairperson and HOD OBG Nursing ; Ms Elsa, KNC Observer were present.
