Equal role of men and women vital in family planning: Health Dept
Ferozepur, July 11, 2025: To mark World Population Day, a district-level awareness seminar was organized at Ayushman Arogya Kendra, Ferozepur Cantonment, under the directions of the Punjab Directorate of Health and Family Welfare and leadership of Civil Surgeon Dr. Rajwinder Kaur.
World Population Day is celebrated annually on 11 July to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues. The theme for World Population Day 2025 is "Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world".
Speaking on the occasion, District Mass Media Officer Sanjeev Sharma said that the rising population poses a major challenge to the country’s progress. He informed that the Health Department is observing Population Stabilization Fortnight from July 11 to July 24. He explained the benefits of non-scalpel vasectomy (NSV), stating it is a simple and permanent method of family planning for men. Men opting for NSV receive ₹1100 as incentive from the government, while motivators get ₹200.
He added that health workers across the district are actively spreading awareness about both permanent and temporary family planning methods. The seminar focused on highlighting the negative impacts of population growth on national resources, maternal and child health, and urged citizens to act responsibly in supporting government efforts for population control.
Dy MMO Ankush Bhandari emphasized that couples can ensure a small and happy family through planned parenthood. He pointed out that illiteracy is a major cause of population growth, leading to early marriages. He stressed that girls should marry after 18 and boys after 21, and increasing women’s literacy is equally crucial. He recommended a minimum three-year gap between two children for better maternal and child health.
Various temporary methods such as Antara injections (administered every three months), PPIUCD (immediate post-delivery contraceptive device), oral pills, Chhaya contraceptive pills, condoms, and Copper-T were promoted as effective ways to prevent unintended pregnancies. All family planning services are available free of cost at government hospitals, and citizens are encouraged to contact ASHA workers, ANMs, or gynaecologists for assistance. For more information, they can also call the toll-free helpline 104.
Medical Officer Dr. Simranpreet Singh and the entire staff of Ayushman Arogya Kendra were also present during the event.