Special delivery: India's Tamil Nadu state hands out gold for newborns
Authorities in India’s Tamil Nadu state gave babies born in government-run hospitals a free gold ring on Monday, an initiative aimed at boosting confidence in the public healthcare system. Under the scheme launched by actor-turned-Chief Minister Vijay, all babies born in public health facilities in the state are eligible for a one-gramme gold ring, worth some $143. Gold has immense cultural…
Babies born in government-run hospitals in India's Tamil Nadu state are being presented with a complimentary gold ring, an initiative launched by the region's Chief Minister Vijay. This gesture aims to bolster trust in the public healthcare system, which often grapples with staffing shortages, lengthy wait times, and inadequate infrastructure.
Gold holds immense cultural weight in India, featured prominently in weddings, religious ceremonies, and viewed as a secure asset for future generations. The gold ring, weighing one gram and valued at around $143, represents a valuable memento for the child's future. A mother from Madurai district expressed her satisfaction, highlighting the personal significance of the scheme.
However, the Bharatiya Janata Party, the opposition in Tamil Nadu, criticized the initiative, stating that the most pressing need for families is ensuring consistent access to nutrition. Despite advancements in recent years, India still grapples with high rates of infant and maternal mortality, recording 24 infant deaths per 1,000 live births and 88 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
Known as the “Thaimaman” (maternal uncle) programme, this scheme leverages the cultural importance of a child's maternal uncle and taps into India's strong affinity for gold, a metal sought after for its financial value and cultural significance.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
