The idea for transit homes stemmed from the community itself, recognizing the urgent need for accessible maternal care. Spearheaded and run by Self-Help Groups (SHGs), these homes provide a haven for expectant mothers, ensuring they receive the necessary medical attention before childbirth. With a strong community-driven approach, these homes are more than shelters—they are lifelines for mothers and their newborns.
Amidst the mist-laden hills of Meghalaya, where villages are often nestled in remote corners, an unprecedented transformation is taking place in maternal healthcare. The state, once grappling with high maternal and infant mortality rates, is witnessing a silent revolution through the establishment of transit homes—safe havens for expectant mothers who otherwise lacked access to institutional deliveries. These homes are more than mere shelters; they are bridges to a healthier future, ensuring that no mother or newborn is left behind.
A Lifeline for Expectant Mothers
For many women in Meghalaya, pregnancy has long been fraught with uncertainty and risk. The lack of proper healthcare facilities in remote areas meant that mothers-to-be often faced dangerous deliveries without medical assistance. The Chief Minister’s Safe Motherhood Scheme (CMSMS), launched on March 8, 2022, aimed to change that by introducing transit homes near healthcare centres.
These transit homes allow pregnant women, especially those from high-risk categories, to stay close to medical facilities at least one to two weeks before their estimated delivery date. Operated by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and local entrepreneurs, these homes provide comfortable lodging, nutritious meals, and the reassurance of immediate medical attention in case of complications.
At a cost of Rs. 300 per person per day for meals and Rs. 100 per day for accommodation, these transit homes ensure that financial constraints do not become a barrier to safe childbirth. A fund of Rs. 10,000 is also allocated annually for repairs, ensuring the sustainability of these homes.
A Story of Transformation: Baddalin Risha’s Journey
Baddalin Risha Kharkongor, a 25-year-old mother from Lum Dawsah, experienced firsthand the importance of these transit homes. After delivering her baby at Ganesh Das Hospital, she faced a new challenge—her newborn required specialized postnatal care. It was then that the ANM and ASHA workers guided her to the transit home at Pomlum PHC.
“As soon as I arrived, I felt a sense of relief. My baby was monitored closely, and I was provided with the nutrition and care that I needed,” she recalls. However, she also discovered that she had missed out on financial assistance under CMSMS simply because she was unaware of the scheme.
“Had I known earlier, I would have availed the benefits. But now, I will ensure other women in my village know about this opportunity,” Baddalin added.
Bridging the Gap: Ensuring Maternal and Infant Health
Early childhood development begins even before birth, and the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from conception to two years—are crucial for cognitive and physical growth. By providing expectant mothers with proper nutrition and medical supervision, transit homes play a critical role in ensuring healthier births and stronger infants.
To address complications such as anaemia, malnutrition, and teenage pregnancies, the CMSMS has focused on six key interventions, including safe deliveries and spacing between births. The scheme also incentivizes Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) with Rs. 1,000 if they accompany pregnant women to transit homes, encouraging institutional deliveries over risky home births.
A Community Effort: The Role of SHGs and Local Leaders
The success of transit homes is deeply rooted in the involvement of local communities. SHGs and village health committees actively mobilize pregnant women, ensuring they reach these facilities in time. Dr. D.P. Syiem, a senior medical officer, highlights the widespread impact of the initiative:
“When it comes to the kind of women availing CMSMS benefits, it extends beyond those from hard-to-reach areas. Even women from nearby regions recognize the value of safe deliveries and voluntarily opt for transit homes.”
This collaborative effort includes stakeholders such as Block Development Officers, health workers, and even Village Councils, which are rewarded for maintaining records of zero teenage pregnancies and ensuring birth-spacing norms.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While the CMSMS has been a game-changer, challenges remain. A major concern raised by SHGs has been the adequacy of food provided to the expectant mothers. Currently, Rs. 40 per meal is allocated, which some argue is insufficient for proper nourishment.
Authorities are working to bridge this gap by increasing funds for nutrition and monitoring meal quality. The goal is to ensure that every pregnant woman receives the nourishment she needs for a healthy pregnancy and a strong baby.
A Brighter Future for Meghalaya’s Mothers and Children
Against the lush backdrop of Meghalaya’s rolling hills, transit homes stand as a beacon of hope—an embodiment of accessibility, care, and community support. As more women like Baddalin step into these homes, the dream of safer childbirth and healthier infant inches closer to reality.
With continued commitment from the government, SHGs, medical staff, and village leaders, Meghalaya is setting an example for maternal healthcare nationwide. The journey has just begun, but the foundation has been laid for a future where every mother has the right to a safe delivery, and every child has the chance to thrive.