New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) In a boost to family planning measures and controlling AIDS, the Government has earmarked nearly Rs 400 crore for increasing the coverage of eligible couples under a programme which includes free distribution of oral birth control pills and condoms. A total of Rs 55 crore has been allocated for free distribution of contraceptives like oral pills, IUDs, tubal rings, E-pills and laparoscopes to the state government for distribution to couples free of cost through sub-centres, primary health centres (PHC), community health centres (CHC) and hospitals.
Under the project, 450 lakh cycles of oral pills, 75 lakh pieces of IUDs, 25 lakh packs of emergency contraceptive pills and 217.48 lakh pregnancy test kits are to be supplied to the health centres. The procurement for condoms would be made as per the demand projected by the states and Union Territories and will be supplied to them during the financial year.
Apart from this, oral pills would be available to eligible couples through social marketing organisations. Condoms would be provided to the states for distribution to eligible couples free of cost through sub-centres, PHCs, CHCs, hospitals.
Condoms will also be made available to the eligible couples through condom vending machines. The cost for this project, to be headed by the National AIDS Control Organisation, would alone be Rs 304 crore.