Jaipur: The state health department will introduce a new ‘Prasav Sakhi’ system in govt hospitals to provide dedicated support, guidance and timely treatment to women with high-risk pregnancies, following a series of maternal deaths reported from several cities since May.The department has issued guidelines for the phased rollout of the initiative in medical college-affiliated hospitals, district hospitals and first referral units that witness a high footfall of pregnant women. The programme aims to make maternal and child health services more patient-centric, coordinated, responsive and respectful.Under the initiative, trained nurses, auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) and selected female health workers wearing pink aprons will serve as ‘Prasav Sakhis’. They will accompany high-risk pregnant women from admission until delivery, postnatal care and discharge, ensuring continuity of care throughout their hospital stay.Their responsibilities will include assisting with registration, diagnostic tests, consultations, treatment coordination, specialist referrals and access to other hospital services. They will also guide and counsel family members, helping them understand treatment procedures and available facilities.Principal Secretary (Health and Medical Education) Gayatri Rathore said every identified hospital will establish a round-the-clock maternal and child health help desk, staffed by Prasav Sakhis, as the first point of contact for pregnant women and their attendants.The department will integrate the 104 Janani Express ambulance service, maternal and child health help desk and Prasav Sakhi system to ensure seamless care from home to hospital. High-risk pregnant women will receive priority in transport and treatment under the new arrangement.Rathore said the initiative is expected to strengthen continuous monitoring, timely referrals, prompt treatment and safe institutional deliveries while improving access to quality and respectful maternity care in govt hospitals.
