Chief Executive Officer PPIF Saman Rai have said that the provision of free contraceptives and quality FP services

Lahore, . Director General Population Welfare Punjab and Chief Executive Officer PPIF Saman Rai have said that the provision of free contraceptives and quality FP services has become the main identity of the Population Welfare Department Punjab. Continuous and uninterrupted supply chain management is ensured through a Contraceptive Logistics Management Information System. Community-based workers at the village level are providing access to family planning information to couples who do not need contraception.
She expressed this while addressing the meeting held about ongoing development schemes of the department. Officers from different wings of the Department of Population were also present on this occasion. Director General Population Welfare Punjab and Chief Executive Officer PPIF Saman Rai said that better procedures for providing all facilities related to family planning have been ensured. A communication strategy and behavior change communication focusing on Healthy Time and Spacing of Pregnancy (HTSP) is a government initiative. Another initiative of the government to achieve the goals of FP is the establishment of the Punjab Population Innovation Fund (PPIF). This includes expanding PWD and health department activities, increasing family planning coverage, especially in rural, poor, and backward areas, and financing innovative public and private programs. Coordination between all stakeholders, including the public and private sectors, is being strengthened through a multisectoral program with technical assistance from the World Bank to promote health, including antenatal and postnatal family planning, through the training of outreach workers. All possible opportunities in the system can be utilized. The role of Ulama is being further strengthened by involving men, conducting regular dialogue, and sensitizing elders and parents. He said that the rapid increase in population is adversely affecting the speed and possibility of socio-economic development. The only solution to this problem is effective Voluntary Family Planning (FP) services. Family planning results in multiple benefits including family health and overall human well-being. Empowering people with access to family planning and reproductive health makes them empowered, capable, and active to participate in socio-economic development. She said that the Punjab Growth Strategy envisages reduction of the dependency ratio which is important for increasing employment needs and empowerment. Without improved access to family planning, significant gains in economic growth are ineffective. She said that the demographic dividend should be reaped over the next two decades through investment in education (especially female education), skill development, and job creation, as well as increased contraceptive rates and reduced fertility. The Punjab government focuses on rapidly expanding coverage through the expansion of service delivery outlets.