Man has a vital role in the social, financial, religious and moral values of the family and without his effective involvement, successful family planning is not possible, especially in the third world countries, where the male dominance is prevalent.
This was stated by the Chairman Pakistan Medical Society (PMS), Dr Masood Akhtar Sheikh while addressing a meeting held in connection with the world population day here, on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by the executive members of PMS, social workers, community leaders and the philanthropists.
The involvement of the males in the antenatal, natal, and postnatal care of their wives could effectively reduce the maternal mortality, Dr Masood added. Supply of the balanced food, vitamins' and the iron supplementation along with the safe method of contraception should be promoted to halt the rapid growth of the Pakistani population where almost 8 children are added in every minute.
"The economic growth of the country is directly linked with the population control otherwise this population explosion can rapidly consume our national resources," he viewed.
Other participants of the meeting stressed that in the 21st century no women should die of the labour related problems in any part of the world. The women should properly be vaccinated during pregnancy, and they should be advised about the safe motherhood. Moreover, their male partners should also realise their responsibilities regarding the health of their family.
Dr Masood on this occasion added that without involvement of male in the contraceptive methods and education in this regard, proper spacing of the child was not possible. Pakistan with the population of over 160 millions is now 6th most thickly populated country of the world. The maternal mortality could be effectively and efficiently controlled by providing safe birth attendants at their doorsteps, he concluded.