Better access to contraception and improvement in reproductive health services would reduce maternal and infant mortality
On the occasion of World Health Day, Population Foundation of India (PFI) call for universal access to family planning under the umbrella of UHC, so that women and men are equipped to effectively plan their families. According to Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director, Population Foundation of India, better access to contraception and improvement in reproductive health services would reduce maternal and infant mortality and lower overall healthcare costs. It would help in keeping more girls in schools, thereby facilitating the entry of more women into the workforce.
A study by Population Foundation of India projects that investing in family planning will result in cumulative savings of Rs 27,000 crores in total budgetary allocations for health over a 15-year period from 2016 – 2031. It also projects a 13 per cent gain in per capita income between 2026 and 2031 as a result of a healthier workforce, improved productivity and higher economic growth.