Haryana implements ARSH programme for adolescents

Chandigarh, Feb 14 (UNI) The Haryana Health Department has initiated the process to effectively implement the Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health (ARSH) programme in eight selected districts of the state.

The programme is being implemented in Rohtak, Sonepat, Gurgaon, Rewari, Bhiwani, Kurukshetra, Jind and Yamunanagar under National Rural Health Mission's (NRHM) Reproductive and Child Health-II (RCH-II) Programme.

Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary (Health) Urvashi Gulati today said that over Rs one crore had been provided for the implementation of this programme.

She said ARSH would address the large under-served adolescent population and focus on reorganising the existing public health system to meet their service needs.

However, its primary goal was to contribute to the RCH-II goals like reduction of Infant Mortality Rate, Maternal Mortality Rate and Total Fertility Rate. The adolescents should receive correct health information and timely services to cope with the challenges of growing up, she added.

She said the programme had been designed to introduce it in partnership with Mother NGOs consisting of adolescent friendly health services and adolescent health counseling services.

She said such adolescent health services would be available within the existing public health system during routine hours as well as on fixed days and timings.

UNI