Procedure to give women a long-term, reversible birth control option
PANAJI
Women in Goa are soon likely to be offered a contraceptive option by which a sub-dermal implant is inserted, usually in the upper arm, in government facilities.
The implants have already been given to the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and the two district hospitals – Asilo in Mapusa and Hospicio in Margao – by the Family Welfare Bureau (SFWB) under the Directorate of Health Services (DHS).
“Training of gynaecologists attached to these three hospitals is currently in an advanced stage, and the procedures are expected to commence soon in these three government facilities,” Dr Uttam Desai, chief medical officer who heads the SFWB, said.
The procedure, which is expensive in the private sector, will be offered free in the government facilities. The implants in India cost between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000, and the insertion or removal procedures would incur additional hospital and doctor fees.
Sub-dermal implants are long-acting contraceptives (effective for 3-5 years) which release hormones that prevent ovulation. They are small, flexible rods that contain progestin and are inserted, usually in the upper arm.
The contraception is instantly reversible by removing the implant, a feature which scores over sterilisation or vasectomy, which are permanent and cannot be removed.
