Pharma major Lupin Ltd and FOGSI (Federation of Obstetric & Gynecological Societies of India) jointly announced the launch of 'Save the Girl Child Campaign' (STGC) 2008-2011, at the 52nd AICOG (All India Congress of Obstetric and Gynecology) meet. Patronized by president Pratibha Patil, 'Save the Girl Child Campaign' aims to mobilize the obstetrics & gynecological community to work towards creating awareness and strive towards eradicating female foeticide, infanticide and improving maternal health and ensuring safe delivery.
A recent study by United Nations revealed that an astonishing number of 7, 50,000 girls are aborted every year in India. Abortion rates have increased in almost 80 per cent of Indian states, and the country has one of the worst rates of female infanticide across the globe. Maternal mortality rates are still very high in India and around 51,500 women die of pregnancy and childbirth related causes every year. There is one death per every five minute due to pregnancy related complications. According to the 1901 census, there were 972 females for every 1000 males. This sex ratio fell to 933 in 2001. And the latest National Family Health Survey shows a further reduction to 918.
Shakti P Chakraborty, president - India Region Formulations, Lupin Ltd said, "Gender discrimination is deep-rooted in our society and only education, awareness and adoption of better social education & healthcare practices focused on women & the girl child can address the issue in the long run. We believe that awareness needs to be generated at a grassroots level to address some of these issues, which has been plaguing the Indian society. Lupin jointly with FOGSI will seek to launch a massive outreach programmes that will target & cover communities across different strata's of society. This joint initiative will run awareness & community care programs, giving women, mothers access to best practices and technological advances in maternal health."
Adding to the statement, Dr Narendra Malhotra, president, FOGSI 2008, averred, "The alarming decline in the sex ratio and the lack of awareness vis` a vis` healthcare practices for women has become a challenge - a major social problem - an epidemic - that needs to be addressed on a war footing. Our joint-initiative with LUPIN is a very important step in that direction."
Dr Chittaranjan Purandare, the new president of FOGSI, was equally forthcoming in his views, "This is a key focus area for FOGSI and the Save the Girl Child campaign which is very close to my heart and I am going to drive it with great passion."