The Andhra Pradesh government has announced the revival of the NTR Baby Kit scheme, a significant maternal welfare initiative aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for newborns and mothers delivering in government hospitals. The scheme is set to be rolled out across the state beginning next month.
The initiative, which was originally launched by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 2016, had been discontinued by the previous government after it was rebranded as the Dr. YSR Baby Kit. After a brief continuation under the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), the scheme was phased out, leaving thousands of mothers in public healthcare facilities without access to the kits for the past four years.
Now, under the newly formed coalition government, the original NTR Baby Kit program is being reintroduced, with official orders issued and funding approved. The decision has been welcomed by healthcare professionals and the public alike, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The scheme is targeted at women who deliver their babies in government hospitals, including Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Urban PHCs (UPHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and district hospitals.
What’s in the NTR Baby Kit?
Each kit, valued at ₹1,410, includes 11 essential items designed to promote hygiene and infant care. These include:
- A baby bed with mosquito net
- Baby clothes
- Soap, powder, oil, and shampoo
- Towels and napkins
- A waterproof cot sheet
- A toy
- Hand sanitizer for the mother
Speaking on the scheme’s relaunch, Superintendent Dr. Srinivasa Reddy emphasized the importance of the initiative:
“This scheme will significantly boost institutional deliveries in government hospitals and ensure basic care for both mother and child during the most critical phase of their health journey.”
The reintroduction of the NTR Baby Kit is not only seen as a welfare measure but also as a strategic step to encourage safer childbirth practices and improve maternal and child health indicators across Andhra Pradesh.
Alternate Title Options:
- Andhra Pradesh Revives NTR Baby Kit Scheme to Support New Mothers
- Maternal Welfare Rebooted: NTR Baby Kits Return to Government Hospitals
- NTR Baby Kit Relaunched in Andhra Pradesh After Four-Year Gap
- Health Boost for Newborns: AP Brings Back NTR Baby Kits
- Andhra Govt Restores Popular Baby Kit Scheme to Aid Public Hospital Deliveries
