Sterilisation deaths: Health minister says family planning not target-driven

Union health minister JP Nadda on Thursday refuted allegations that family planning was a target driven programme as alleged by doctors in the botched up sterilisation camp in Chattisgargh that left around a dozen women dead.

Union health minister JP Nadda on Thursday refuted allegations that family planning was a target driven programme as alleged by doctors in the botched up sterilisation camp in Chattisgargh that left around a dozen women dead.

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"It is a misconception, on the contrary it is a target-free, promotional and a demand driven program. There are no targets set by the Central government," he said.

Nadda claimed that he was in continuous touch with the Chief Minister of Chattisgarh, and an inquiry has been ordered in the matter.

"The state government has ordered a Judicial inquiry, and the center will provide all necessary assistance for the inquiry."
The minister claimed that on the request of the Chief Minister of Chattisgarh, the Center sent a team of doctors from AIIMS which has supervised the medical treatment being given to the affected patients.

"The team of doctors has provided necessary guidance and support to the team of treating doctors in order to ensure that the best possible care is being provided to the affected."