Pilot project for injectable contraceptives launched

Government hospitals in Maharashtra will now offer Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) injectable contraceptives to women. The initiative is part of the state government's latest family planning programme, Antara, launched to mark the World Population Day on July 11.

Maharashtra is the first state to launch a pilot project to promote the use of these injectable contaceptives.

Dr Archana Patil, Additional Director of Family Welfare, said, "In the first phase, the central government has provided the state with 33,000 doses of MPA. It will be given free of cost to the women."

The injections, to be taken once in three months, have no serious side effects.

"By making more options available, we hope to decrease the rates of maternal deaths and abortion-related maternal deaths in the state," Dr Patil said.