ZMQ developed a large MIS platform on family planning services for Population Services International called the Pehel program. The Pehel project contributed to Millennium Development Goal 5 through limiting births and reducing maternal mortality among low-income women of reproductive age across three states Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi.
This evidence based integrated behavior change program for improving the health of women comprises of two components – Prevention of unwanted pregnancies using Intra Uterine Device (IUD) and Increasing access of safe and legal Medical Termination of Pregnancy through Medical Abortions (MA) Under this program, PSI/I created the Saadhan network with more than 1000 private health care providers who will be providing quality IUD services. PSI/India has sold more than 65,000 IUDs “Freedom5” to the network providers till date. The mass media campaign is promoting the benefits of the IUD as a five year contraceptive solution. PSI/I also launched a SafeAbort Kit containing mifepristone and misoprostol with the Government of India recommended dosages, and conducted orientation sessions for 673 providers and more than 1000 pharmacists on standard protocols for MA drug regimen and MA drug dispensing.
Program focuses on advocacy at the higher levels of the Government, the Ministry of Health and other major stakeholders. PSI/I signed an MoU with Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) and launched the partnership to promote Freedom5 and SafeAbort kit and empanelling more private providers under Pehel. Pehel encourages total market approach and aims to reach more percentage of eligible women. Its objective is to bring equity through market evolution which should benefit the poor and vulnerable women in reproductive age group and sustainability as in which market should be less dependent on subsidies.
