The Karnataka government has mandated a statewide audit of adolescent pregnancy cases to enhance monitoring, prevention, and support systems for girls aged 10 to 18 years. The order, issued by the Under Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department, Pradeep Kumar B.S., is effective immediately. This initiative aims to tackle teenage pregnancy, which is a significant public health and social issue associated with maternal health risks, adverse birth outcomes, school dropouts, and social vulnerability.
The government highlighted the gaps in awareness, access to reproductive health services, and broader socio-economic factors contributing to teenage pregnancies despite existing programs like the National Health Mission (NHM) and Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK). Under the new directive, all adolescent pregnancies must be reported by both government and private health institutions on the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) platform. Audits of each case will be conducted by the Taluk Health Officer (THO), assessing factors such as age at marriage, educational status, awareness of reproductive health, and socio-economic vulnerabilities.
An audit committee will be formed at the taluk level chaired by the Taluk Health Officer, including members like the Medical Officer of the Primary Health Centre, health inspectors, ASHA and Anganwadi supervisors, and a school representative. The government has instructed strengthening of counseling services through mechanisms like Sneha Centres, provision of contraceptive services, and identification of vulnerable adolescents including school dropouts and migrants. District Health Officers (DHOs) and the Deputy Director under the RBSK will oversee implementation at district and state levels respectively.
Authorities will classify cases as preventable or non-preventable, recommend corrective actions, and ensure strict confidentiality and legal compliance. The initiative will be integrated within the existing frameworks and budgets of NHM and RKSK without imposing additional financial burden on the state exchequer.
