Question

When was National Family Health and welfare program started in India?
1. 1947
2.  1952
3. 1953
4. 1980

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 :  1952

Explanation:

• India was amongst the first countries in the world to initiate action plans and programs at a national level to attain total reproductive health as a social goal.
• These programs were called ‘family planning programs
• In 1952, India launched the world’s first national program emphasizing family planning to the extent necessary for reducing birth rates “to stabilize the population at a level consistent with the requirement of the national economy”.
• Since then, the family planning program has evolved and the program is currently being repositioned to not only achieve population stabilization but also to promote reproductive health and reduce maternal, infant, child mortality and morbidity
• The salient features of the family planning services are as follows: 

1. Counseling, access to and provision of good quality services, and follow-up care are emphasized in all services.
2. Fixed Day Static Services (FDS) approach in sterilization services.
3. In states with a high unmet need for limiting methods, sterilization camps are continued till the time FDS is implemented effectively. Revised compensation scheme for sterilization acceptors to compensate the wage loss is continued in all the states ‘National Family Planning Insurance Scheme’ (NFPIS) covers service providers in both public and accredited private facilities.
4. ‘Quality Assurance Committees’ (QACs) have been constituted in all the states and districts.
5. The division is repositioning IUD as a short and long-term spacing method.
6. Regular contraceptive updates for service providers in all states, with a special focus on the High Focus States (HFS).
7. Emergency Contraception Pills (ECPs) are effective for preventing conception due to unplanned/ unprotected sex. Guidelines have been developed and disseminated regarding its use.