Soon, special medical camps for pregnant BPL women

Ranchi: The Ranchi chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Thursday urged private doctors to provide free treatment to below poverty line (BPL) pregnant women.
The directive has come in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to doctors to give up 12 days a year for treating poor and pregnant women for free.
On May 26, the second anniversary of the NDA government, Prime Minister Narendra tweeted, "I appeal all doctors to dedicate 12 days per year for free treatment to poor expecting mothers". Modi's appeal had garnered favourable response on social media, with many doctors across the country promising to support the initiative.
"We deliberated on the PM's appeal. Letters were issued to all members of the district IMA on Thursday, requesting them to support the cause. A good number of doctors have already reverted, agreeing to support the cause voluntarily," said Ranchi IMA president Dr Halimuddin on Thursday. IMA will also organize a free medical camp on June 9 for expectant mothers on office premises in Ranchi.
Doctors will conduct medical tests through the daylong camp. Health minister Ramchandra Chandravanshi is expected to inaugurate the camp. On the 9th of every month, similar camps will be organized. "A similar appeal will be made to all IMA units across Jharkhand," IMA state secretary Dr Pradeep Kumar said.
The initiative will likely contribute to the state's high maternal mortality ratio that stands above the national average.