Jaipur, July 22 — Amid deaths of women due to postpartum challenges, the Rajasthan government has taken a major initiative aimed at improving maternal healthcare.
The state will introduce a ‘Prasav Sakhi’ (Birthing Companion) system in government hospitals to provide dedicated support and coordinated care for high‑risk pregnant women.
The initiative, launched under the directives of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, seeks to make maternal and child health services more patient‑centric, responsive and respectful.
According to guidelines issued by the Medical and Health Department, the programme will be implemented in phases across medical college‑affiliated hospitals, district hospitals and First Referral Units (FRUs) with a high volume of deliveries.
Under the new system, every high‑risk pregnant woman admitted to a designated government hospital will be assigned a ‘Prasav Sakhi’, a trained nursing staff member, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) or another designated female health worker.
Easily identifiable by their pink aprons, the Prasav Sakhis will accompany patients throughout their hospital journey, from admission and registration to delivery, postnatal care and discharge.
They will assist women with hospital registration, diagnostic tests, consultations, treatment, referrals to specialists when required, and other medical procedures, ensuring that patients receive timely and coordinated care.
Principal Secretary, Medical and Health, Gayatri Rathore said dedicated 24x7 Maternal and Child Health Help Desks will be established in every designated hospital to serve as the first point of contact for pregnant women and their families.
Prasav Sakhis posted at these help desks will provide information about hospital services, diagnostic tests and treatment procedures while guiding patients and their attendants through the healthcare system.
The state government also plans to integrate the 104 Janani Express ambulance service, the Maternal and Child Health Help Desk and the Prasav Sakhi system into a single coordinated network.
The integrated mechanism is designed to ensure safe transportation of high‑risk pregnant women from their homes to healthcare facilities and provide uninterrupted assistance throughout their treatment. High‑risk patients will receive priority in transportation, admission and medical care.