In one of Rajasthan's most significant maternal healthcare reforms in recent years, the state government has introduced Prasav Sakhi (Birth Companion) to provide dedicated assistance to pregnant women throughout their hospital stay.
The initiative comes in response to the maternal mortality crisis reported across several government hospitals, where a series of deaths after childbirth triggered public concern, medical investigations, and policy reviews.
Under the programme, every admitted mother will receive personalized assistance that includes:
Support from hospital admission to discharge.
Guidance during labour and childbirth.
Emotional counselling for mothers and families.
Help with breastfeeding and newborn care.
Continuous observation during the critical post-delivery period.
Immediate reporting of any medical complications.
High-Risk Pregnancies Under Continuous Surveillance
The Health Department has also intensified monitoring of High-Risk Pregnancy (HRP) cases.
Women identified with complications such as:
Severe anaemia
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Previous Caesarean delivery
Multiple pregnancies
Excessive bleeding
Other obstetric risks
will receive enhanced tracking and specialist supervision. District health authorities have been instructed to maintain detailed HRP registers and ensure timely intervention before complications become life-threatening.
Hospital Accountability Strengthened
Alongside the Prasav Sakhi initiative, the government has directed hospitals to:
Ensure mandatory antenatal check-ups.
Maintain adequate medicine and blood supplies.
Keep labour rooms and operation theatres fully equipped.
Conduct maternal death reviews within 24 hours.
Improve infection-control protocols.
Strengthen emergency obstetric response systems.
Building on Existing Maternal Welfare Schemes
The new initiative complements Rajasthan's existing maternal welfare programmes, including institutional delivery incentives and community health support through ASHA workers under schemes such as Janani Suraksha Yojana.
Why It Matters
Public health experts believe that timely monitoring, emotional support during childbirth, and early identification of complications can significantly reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. The Prasav Sakhi programme aims to bridge the gap between medical treatment and patient care, ensuring that no mother is left unattended during one of the most critical phases of her life.
If implemented effectively across government hospitals, the initiative could become a model for improving maternity care and restoring public confidence in Rajasthan's healthcare system.
