DK sees more men than women opt for sterilisation

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada has recorded a higher proportion of men opting for sterilisation compared to women. According to district health department data, around 39% of the target for male sterilisation has been achieved, compared to 18.4% for female sterilisation.Bantwal emerged as the leading taluk in male participation in family planning programmes. Between April last year to March, 23 men underwent no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) in the taluk, achieving nearly 83% of its target. During the same period, a total of 58 male sterilisation procedures were conducted across Dakshina Kannada. In contrast, only 108 women in the taluk underwent sterilisation, accounting for about 4% of the taluk’s total female sterilisation procedures.A total 2,705 women underwent sterilisations across the district. Mangaluru recorded the highest number with 1,909 procedures, including 197 laparoscopic sterilisations, 77 minilap surgeries, 1,568 postpartum sterilisations and 67 post-abortion sterilisations.Among other taluks, Puttur recorded 306 female sterilisation procedures, followed by Sullia (236), Belthangady (146) and Bantwal (108). For male sterilisation, Puttur recorded 14 cases, followed by Bantwal (23), Mangaluru (11), Belthangady (7) and Sullia (3).Under the Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) programme, Dakshina Kannada achieved 48% of its target, with 7,142 women opting for the procedure. This included 7,025 interval IUCD insertions and 117 post-abortion IUCD insertions. The district achieved 22% of its target under the Postpartum Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (PPIUCD) programme, under which IUCDs are inserted within 48 hours of delivery. A total 1,086 women underwent the procedure. Dakshina Kannada performed particularly well under the injectable contraceptive programme, achieving 93% of its target, with 9,017 women availing the service.District family welfare officer Dr Deepa Prabhu said male participation in family planning programmes has shown relatively better progress compared to district targets. Meanwhile, at a review meeting held on Monday, health and family welfare minister UT Khader directed the department to grant permission for starting scan centres within a week, if all required documents are in order. He also instructed officials to assess the success rates of IVF centres operating in Mangaluru.