Jaipur, July 23 -- The Rajasthan government will introduce the 'Prasav Sakhi' (Birth Companion) system in government hospitals to provide dedicated support, guidance and timely medical care to high-risk pregnant women throughout their treatment journey, a government notification stated. Launched on the directions of chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the initiative aims to make maternal and child healthcare services more patient-centric, responsive, coordinated and respectful. According to guidelines issued by the Medical and Health Department, the system will be implemented in phases across medical college-affiliated hospitals, district hospitals and First Referral Units (FRUs) with a high delivery load. Under the new arrangement, specially trained nursing personnel, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives and other selected women healthcare workers wearing pink aprons will serve as 'Prasav Sakhis'. Each Prasav Sakhi will be assigned to a high-risk pregnant woman from the time she arrives at the hospital and will remain with her through admission, medical examinations, consultations, treatment, delivery, postnatal care and discharge. The Prasav Sakhis will assist women with hospital registration, diagnostic tests, consultations with doctors, treatment procedures and coordination with specialists. They will also facilitate referrals to higher healthcare centres whenever required, ensuring uninterrupted and timely medical attention for high-risk pregnancies. Principal Secretary, Medical and Health, Gayatri Rathore said 24x7 Maternal and Child Health Help Desks will be established at every identified hospital to act as the first point of contact for pregnant women and their families. Staffed by Prasav Sakhis, these desks will provide information about hospital services, diagnostic facilities and treatment procedures while guiding patients and their attendants throughout the care process. The initiative will also integrate the 104 Janani Express ambulance service, hospital help desks and the Prasav Sakhi system to ensure seamless support from home to hospital. High-risk pregnant women will receive priority in transportation, admission and treatment to minimise delays that often lead to maternal and neonatal issues. Officials said the initiative will strengthen continuous monitoring of high-risk pregnancies, improve timely treatment, streamline referral management and promote safe institutional deliveries. By providing personalised assistance at every stage of care, the government aims to make maternity services in hospitals more accessible, compassionate and of higher quality. The Health Department believes the Prasav Sakhi initiative will improve the overall experience of pregnant women in government hospitals while contributing to safer pregnancies and better health outcomes for both mothers and newborns. The programme is expected to play an important role in further reducing maternal and infant mortality in Rajasthan by ensuring respectful, coordinated and quality maternity care....