Ludhiana, July 29 -- Stepping up efforts to safeguard maternal and child health, the health department on Wednesday launched an awareness drive at Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, to encourage pregnant women to opt for institutional deliveries and make use of the free maternal healthcare services available at government health facilities.

Under the directions of acting civil surgeon Dr Harinder Sood, the department's mass media team organised an awareness programme for pregnant women and their attendants, informing them about the range of free services provided at Civil Hospital Ludhiana and other government health institutions.

Health officials said the facilities include free normal and Caesarean deliveries, antenatal check-ups, laboratory t...