Subdermal implant for family planning kicks off in Cachar

way2barak, August 27:— Cachar has introduced the single-rod subdermal contraceptive implant giving women in the district access to a long-acting and reversible family planning option that provides protection against pregnancy for up to three years.

The service was launched on Wednesday at Silchar Medical College & Hospital, S. M. Dev Civil Hospital and Chhoto Mamta Model Hospital, Silchar making Cachar one of the latest districts in Assam to roll out the method under the National Health Mission. The service is already available in Kamrup Metro, Barpeta, Sonitpur, Dhubri and Dibrugarh.

It’s worth mentioning that the implant placed beneath the skin offers an alternative for women who want to space or plan pregnancies without relying on a daily contraceptive method.

Meanwhile,in Cachar Health officials said the focus would remain on voluntary and informed choice with beneficiaries receiving counselling before opting for the method.

Notably, a total of 11 doctors have been trained in Cachar to provide counselling, insertion and follow-up services in accordance with established guidelines. The availability of trained personnel at three major health facilities is expected to make the new method more accessible to women seeking a reliable and reversible contraceptive option.

The launching programme was attended by the Joint Director of Health Service,Dr. Sumona Naiding, Former incharge Principal,SMC&H , Dr. Bhaskar Gupta,HoD, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Dr Aloka Banerjee, Dr. Puja Gupta, Senior Specialist Technical Excellence, IPAS Development Foundation (IDF), Delhi, Santosh Kumar Maharaj, Senior Coordinator, Programs & Trainings, IDF, Guwahati, Dr. Tapan Jyoti Kalita, Specialist , Programs & Trainings, IDF, Guwahati and Dr. Gulbahar Raj, DME, NHM, Cachar.

The District Health Services, Cachar, acknowledged the technical and programme support extended by IPAS Development Foundation (IDF) in introducing the new contraceptive service in the district. Officials said the collaboration would help strengthen technical capacity and ensure quality service delivery.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Aloka Banerjee, HoD, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology said that the implant is a safe and effective family planning method and encouraged eligible couples to seek counselling and make informed choices according to their needs.

Women and couples seeking information about the implant can approach their ANM or ASHA worker or visit the nearest health facility for counselling and guidance.

Health officials said beneficiaries would be supported through the process including counselling, insertion and follow-up.

It is important to note that the introduction of the service adds another choice to the family planning basket available through the public health system in Cachar. For women seeking a reversible method that does not require daily attention, the implant offers an additional option for pregnancy spacing and planning.

This is stated in a press release issued by the Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.