Patna: Timely screening, identification and treatment of anaemia among pregnant women can help prevent serious complications for mothers and babies, health experts said at a workshop here on Saturday. Global Health Strategies (GHS), in coordination with technical experts, organised the workshop to highlight the growing burden of maternal anaemia and the role of the media in creating awareness.Dr Abha Rani Sinha, principal, Radha Devi Jageshwari Memorial Medical College and Hospital, Muzaffarpur, said maternal anaemia was not merely a medical condition but a major public health challenge. She said NFHS-4 and NFHS-5 data showed anaemia among pregnant women in Bihar had increased from 58.3% to 63.1%, while prevalence among women of reproductive age rose from 60.3% to 63.5%.She said the Centre and Bihar govt had strengthened the approach to anaemia management under Anaemia Mukt Bharat 2.0, with treatment based on severity and clinical condition. Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose (IV-FCM) is being provided free at designated public health facilities for pregnant women with severe anaemia.IV-FCM was rolled out across Bihar in March 2026, with around two lakh doses made available. It was also included in the State Essential Drug List in Dec 2025, facilitating access at district and block-level health facilities.Dr Meena Samant said screening alone was not enough and women needed regular monitoring after treatment began. She said IV-FCM could deliver the required iron in a single administration, reducing repeated hospital visits and helping correct iron deficiency faster.She said studies involving more than 500 pregnant women in India showed improved haemoglobin levels within three to four weeks after a single dose, without serious adverse effects.Anuj Ghosh, senior director, GHS, urged media organisations to promote simple and accurate information on screening, treatment and follow-ups, while helping dispel myths around maternal anaemia.
