The health ministry introduced integral Cardiotocography (iCTG) with 55 sets to complement the existing conventional cardiotocography in the hospitals across the country to improve the mother and child healthcare services.

To commemorate the 31st Birth Anniversary of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, Health Secretary Dr Pandup Tshering handed over two sets of mobile iCTG devices to the Eastern Regional Referral Hospital (ERRH), Mongar on June 4.

The ministry launched the services in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The device can monitor the health condition of an expectant mother and her foetus and help screen high-risk pregnancy to facilitate timely referral and care.

Moreover, health officials said this technology can help pregnant women to avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital thereby minimizing exposure of patients and health workers to Covid-19.

The seven Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care Center (CEmONC) with Obstetrician like Gelephu central regional referral hospital, Wangdue hospital, ERRH Mongar, Trashigang hospital, JDWNRH, Phuntsholing hospital will serve as referral centres for other health units.

It is expected to benefit half of the expectant women of the total more than estimated 10,000 pregnancies reported in a year. The provision of the iCTG is an initiative to reach every pregnant woman with quality gynaecological and obstetric services.

By Tshering Namgyal | Mongar

Edited by Tshering Palden

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