Burden of Sterlisation Lies on Women in India: NHM Report

Experts feel most men feel that a vasectomy procedure will rob them of their ‘strength’.

While the present numbers have come down from the earlier 98 percent, it still shows how the large burden of contraception falls on women alone.

(Photo Courtesy: IndiaSpend)

A recent report released by the National Health Mission in India states that out of the total sterilizations in 2017-18, 93 percent of them were performed on women while 6.8 percent were performed on men.

While the present numbers have come down from the earlier 98 percent, it still shows how the large burden of contraception falls on women alone.

The 11th Common Review Mission report released on 18 June by Union minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, also states that while vasectomy is an easier procedure than tubectomy, social taboo still makes it a strict no-no for men.

The Common Review Mission report spans all aspects of health system reform and uses a mix of methods - including secondary data review, rapid assessment of facilities, and implementer and beneficiary perspectives.

The Health Management Information System records show that of the total 14,73,418 sterilisation procedures in 2017-18, only 6.8 percent were performed on men, as per a report in the Indian Express.

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure that ‘cuts or seals’ the sperm carrying tubes of a man. This, in turn, prevents the sperms from entering a woman’s urethra and impregnating her through sexual intercourse.

The report states that experts feel men hesitate or resist to undergo vasectomy due to multiple reasons such as techniques for men are not adequately available. Sterilizations services are also offered to people on fixed days in fixed places. This creates some logistical difficulties.

It is also largely considered a ‘social taboo’ as there’s lack of male health workers to create awareness about the procedure. Most men also think it will rob them of their ‘strength’.

The report also talks about the dismal state of medical healthcare in India where the Out of Pocket Expenditure (direct payments made by individuals) is high. The Out of Pocket Expenditure on drugs in Assam and UP, on diagnostics and lab tests in Telangana and Nagaland and on informal payments to the hospital staff and transportation in UP was found to be high.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey said:

NHM has a huge responsibility in making India healthy and disease-free. It has led to improved health outcomes and health indicators due to strengthened system of healthcare delivery. It continues to play an important role in strengthening public health systems at the state and sub-district levels.

Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Union Minister 

(With inputs from PTI)

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