National Safe Motherhood Day 2023 observed on 11th April
India celebrated National Safe Motherhood Day on 11th April 2023 to raise awareness about the importance of maternal health and reduce maternal mortality rates. This day is observed every year to honour the contributions of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, the founder of the Indian Women’s Association, and to promote safe motherhood practices.
Why this News is Important:
The observance of National Safe Motherhood Day is significant as it helps to draw attention to the need for improving maternal health. It is estimated that every year, around 45,000 women die during childbirth in India, making it one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Therefore, initiatives such as this help in creating awareness among the public and policymakers about the need for better healthcare infrastructure and maternal care services in the country.
The government has taken several measures to improve maternal health in the country. The National Health Mission, launched in 2013, aims to reduce maternal mortality and improve maternal health outcomes. It has also launched several schemes such as Janani Suraksha Yojana, which provides cash incentives to women who deliver in public health facilities, and Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, which provides free antenatal care to pregnant women.
Historical Context:
National Safe Motherhood Day was first observed in India in 2003, following a call by the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood. It was instituted to honour the memory of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, who was a strong advocate for women’s rights and played a key role in the establishment of the Indian Women’s Association.
Dr. Mukherjee was a prominent Indian politician and served as the Minister for Industry and Supply in the Nehru government. He was also the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which later became the Bharatiya Janata Party. Dr. Mukherjee passed away in 1953, and in his memory, the Indian Women’s Association was established to promote women’s health and well-being.
Key Takeaways from “National Safe Motherhood Day 2023 observed on 11th April”:
| Serial No. | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|
| 1 | National Safe Motherhood Day is observed on 11th April every year to raise awareness about maternal health and reduce maternal mortality rates. |
| 2 | The day honours the memory of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, the founder of the Indian Women’s Association, and promotes safe motherhood practices. |
| 3 | India has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, and initiatives such as this help in creating awareness about the need for better healthcare infrastructure and maternal care services. |
| 4 | The government has launched several schemes such as Janani Suraksha Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan to improve maternal health outcomes. |
| 5 | National Safe Motherhood Day was first observed in India in 2003, following a call by the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood. |
Important FAQs for Students from this News
Q1. When is National Safe Motherhood Day celebrated?
A. National Safe Motherhood Day is celebrated on 11th April every year.
Q2. Who is Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee?
A. Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee was a prominent Indian politician and founder of the Indian Women’s Association.
Q3. Why is National Safe Motherhood Day important?
A. National Safe Motherhood Day is important as it raises awareness about the need for improving maternal health and reducing maternal mortality rates in India.
Q4. What initiatives has the Indian government taken to improve maternal health?
A. The government has launched several schemes such as Janani Suraksha Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan to improve maternal health outcomes.
Q5. What is the objective of National Health Mission?
A. The objective of National Health Mission, launched in 2013, is to reduce maternal mortality and improve maternal health outcomes.
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