Coronavirus testing not mandatory for services related to maternal, newborn: Health ministry

The Union Health Ministry on Wednesday said that the essential services related to reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health should be continued in a restricted manner in the areas defined as containment and buffer zones. The Ministry also stated that COVID-19 testing is not mandatory for providing such services. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry said that the mother and newborn should be nursed together and breastfeeding must be initiated within an hour of the delivery, irrespective of coronavirus status. However, the mother should wear a face mask and practise hand hygiene before feeding the child. In a 'Guidance Note on Provision of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (RMNCAH N) services during and post coronavirus pandemic' released on Wednesday, the ministry stated that the critical services for women, children and adolescent should be provided irrespective of their coronavirus status. It also highlighted that "Under no circumstances should there be a denial of essential services." Also Read | North India was the hottest region in the world on Tuesday: Report It also elaborated that services such as antenatal and newborn care, immunization, family planning, and adolescent health among others are to be provided at different levels in accordance with the zonal categorization. "India has the largest adolescent and youth population. Therefore, in addition to the current priority for coronavirus for health facilities and health workers, it is also vital that the essential health services for the vulnerable population are continued during the pandemic," it said. -PTC News