Empowering Mothers, Strengthening Communities: Punjab Takes Major Leap in Maternal Health
- Punjab Expands Innovative Group Antenatal Care Model
Chandigarh:07-03-2025
The Government of Punjab, in a significant move to bolster maternal health services, successfully conducted a statewide Training of Trainers (ToT) on Group Antenatal Care (G-ANC) on March 7th. This initiative, a collaborative effort with Jhpiego and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), aims to elevate the quality of antenatal care across the state.
The training event was presided over by Mr. Ghanshyam Thori, IAS, Special Secretary Health cum Mission Director, NHM Punjab, alongside Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Director Health Services, Dr. Jasminder, Director Family Welfare, Dr. Navjot, DD(FW), and Dr. Harpreet, AD(MCH).
This training will empower district health representatives and frontline health workers with the essential knowledge and skills to implement and scale up G-ANC throughout Punjab.
Facilitated by Jhpiego, the comprehensive training emphasized clinical protocols, peer learning, and effective behavior change strategies. This approach ensures that pregnant women receive high-quality, interactive, and supportive ANC services, fostering a more positive and informed pregnancy experience.
The G-ANC model, previously piloted by Jhpiego in the Tarn Taran district of Punjab, showcased remarkable improvements in maternal health awareness and community engagement. Inspired by these successful outcomes, the Punjab government is now committed to expanding this transformative model statewide. This expansion will bring accessible, high-quality ANC services closer to women in both urban and rural communities, bridging critical healthcare gaps.
“This statewide rollout of Group Antenatal Care demonstrates Punjab’s unwavering commitment to the health and maternal well-being ” stated Mr. Ghanshyam Thori, IAS. “By empowering our frontline workers with the right tools and knowledge, we are building a stronger, healthier future for Punjab.”
The G-ANC model’s emphasis on peer support and interactive learning is expected to significantly enhance the overall antenatal care experience, leading to improved maternal and child health outcomes across the state.
