K'taka Gov scheme for pregnant women

Bangalore, Aug 24 (UNI) Karnataka Government today announced the launch of 'Madilu'-- a novel scheme aimed at providing maternity care to poor pregnant women in government hospitals.

Announcing this to newpersons here, Health and Family Welfare Minister R Ashok said under the scheme, pregnant women who visited government hospitals and delivered children were entitled to get Rs 825 worth health kit free of cost.

There are over ten lakh delivery cases every year of which seven lakh women are below poverty line. Over 3.5 lakh cases are reported in government hospitals alone, he pointed out.

Replying to queries, he said the government needed Rs 14 crore to ensure effective implementation of the scheme from August 15 last.

Those with only upto two children would be eligible for the benefit under the scheme. Over 1.4 lakh women would be covered under the scheme, he added.

UNI