Madhya Pradesh withdraws controversial 'sterilisation order' for health workers

The order had warned of salary cuts for failing to meet sterilisation targets

36-Kamal-Nath Kamal Nath | Mujeeb Faruqui

Following flak from various quarters, the Madhya Pradesh government on Friday has withdrawn a controversial circular that warned of salary cuts and compulsory retirement linked to failure to meet sterilisation targets. The circular, issued by National Health Mission (NHM) state Director Chhavi Bharadwaj, asked multi-purpose health workers (MPHWs) to meet sterilisation targets or else their salaries would be withheld and they would be given compulsory retirement.

Following criticism for the circular, the Madhya Pradesh sprung into action. Health Minister Tulsi Silawat said the state government has withdrawn the order and has removed the NHM official, who issued the order. Bhardwaj has been posted as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at the state secretariat, reported ANI.

The circular has asked each of MPHW to get at least get one man sterilised in this fiscal which ending March 31 or else their salaries would be withheld and they would be given compulsory retirement.

The move by the state unit of the NHM has come after the National Family Health Survey-4 report recorded that only 0.5 per cent men were opting for sterilisation in Madhya Pradesh.

On February 11, the NHM shot off the circular slugged Extremely Important asked the top divisional officers and district officers including with health department to identify male workers with zero work output and apply the no work no pay principle if they dont motivate at least one male vasectomy least this fiscal.

The circular issued by the states NHM Mission Directorstates that MPHWs should mobilise at least five to 10 willing beneficiaries when camps are held in districts.

(With PTI inputs)