Odisha Sees Explosive Surge in Male Sterilizations, In recent years, there has been a notable increase in male sterilizations in Odisha, marking a significant shift in family planning trends. According to Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, the state has observed a 45% rise in the number of men opting for vasectomies over the past three years. This increase reflects a growing acceptance of male sterilization as a method of family planning, although it still lags behind the number of female sterilizations.
Rising Trend in Male Sterilizations
Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling presented the data during an Assembly session in Bhubaneswar, highlighting a substantial uptick in vasectomy procedures. The number of vasectomies performed in Odisha has seen a progressive increase:
- 2021-22: 991 men underwent vasectomies.
- 2022-23: The figure rose to 1,569.
- 2023-24: The number further increased to 1,792.
This represents a 45% rise in male sterilizations over the three-year period, indicating a growing willingness among men to participate in family planning initiatives.
Comparison with Female Sterilizations
Despite the increase in male, the figures for vasectomies remain significantly lower compared to female sterilizations. Tubectomy, the permanent contraceptive method for women, continues to be the more widely chosen option. The statistics for tubectomies are as follows:
- 2021-22: 82,152 operations.
- 2022-23: 92,915 operations.
- 2023-24: 80,403 operations.
Overall, female have fluctuated over the years, with a peak in 2022-23, but a decrease in 2023-24.
Overall Family Planning Statistics
From 2021-22 to 2023-24, Odisha has conducted a total of 259,822 family planning operations. This includes:
- Vasectomies: 4,352 procedures.
- Tubectomies: 255,470 procedures.
The data underscores the predominance of female sterilization over male sterilization, though the latter’s share has seen a marked increase.
Government Incentives and Awareness
The Odisha government is actively promoting family planning through various incentives. To encourage participation in procedures, the state offers financial incentives:
- Vasectomy: Rs 2,000.
- Female Sterilization: Rs 1,400.
- Post-Delivery Sterilization: Rs 2,200.
These incentives aim to make the procedures more accessible and appealing to the population.
Annual Observance and Public Awareness
In addition to financial incentives, the Odisha government observes July 11 each year to raise awareness about procedures nationwide. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance public understanding of family planning options and promote their adoption.
The significant rise in male sterilizations in Odisha over the past three years highlights a positive shift in family planning practices. While vasectomies still represent a smaller fraction of overall procedures compared to tubectomies, the increased numbers reflect a growing acceptance of male involvement in family planning. The Odisha government’s efforts in providing financial incentives and raising public awareness continue to play a crucial role in encouraging more individuals to consider sterilization as a viable option for family planning.
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