Malappuram: A public health campaign launched by the Malappuram District Health Department to encourage hospital deliveries over home births is showing promising results. Previously, the district recorded an average of 20 to 25 home births each month. Following the campaign, this number has fallen sharply to just six.

Campaign triggered by tragic incident

The district-level advisory committee reviewed the progress of the campaign during a meeting held to discuss matters related to the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC & PNDT) Act, particularly issues concerning the sex determination of unborn foetuses.

In March, 23 home births were reported. In early April, a young woman tragically lost her life during a home birth, prompting the health department to launch the campaign. It was initiated under the leadership of health workers and local self-government institutions.

Awareness drives and public engagement

The campaign included seminars, street plays and awareness classes to inform the public about the risks of home births and the benefits of opting hospital deliveries.

Officials noted that currently, only a small group of people—those holding deep-rooted beliefs or fearing allopathic treatment—continue to choose home births.

The committee observed that with sustained efforts, this practice can be further reduced and potentially eliminated.

The meeting was attended by Deputy DEMO Dr P M Fazal, Advocate Sujatha Varma, social worker Beena Sunny, gynaecologist Dr O K Jasmin Ismail, Dr N N Pameeli, T Saranya and others.