NDA Alliance Government to Relaunch Popular Kits for Babies
Baby kit includes 11 essentials to ensure better health for newborns
Vijayawada: NDA alliance government in Andhra Pradesh is set to revive the popular scheme of providing Baby Kits to new-borns in the state, with each kit containing 11 items costing Rs 1,410.
Each Baby Kit is aimed at protecting the health of newly born babies. The items include a baby bed with mosquito net, waterproof cot sheet, baby dress, washable nappies, towel, baby powder, baby shampoo, baby oil, baby soap and box, and a baby rattle to distract the crying child.
The Baby Kits’ scheme had earlier been implemented by the TDP-led government in AP during 2014–19. The government received financial support to an extent under the National Health Mission.
But the centre had withdrawn this support, as it found the scheme unfeasible under the norms stipulated for PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission and PM Matru Vandana Yojana, apart from guidelines of the 15th Finance Commission.
With the NDA alliance forming the government again in 2024, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav proposed the revival of the Baby Kits’ scheme as part of the state’s budget, keeping in mind the importance of protecting the health of the newly born babies. Accordingly, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has given its approval for disbursal of the baby kits, with the state government bearing the expenditure for the same.
Health authorities say nearly half of the babies born in AP are being delivered in government hospitals. The baby kits will be of immense utility to both the mothers and babies.
