AVB training held at AMC to reduce avoidable C-sections

A training programme on Assisted Vaginal Birth (AVB) was conducted at Andhra Medical College (AMC) here on Tuesday as part of the State government’s efforts to promote safe normal deliveries and reduce avoidable caesarean sections.

The programme was organised by the Health and Family Welfare Department in association with the Fernandez Foundation and UNICEF and is part of a three-year AVB action plan being implemented across Andhra Pradesh since December 2024.

AD-MCH Dr. Anil Kumar, AMC Principal Dr. Sandhya, King George Hospital (KGH) Superintendent Dr. I. Vani, District Medical and Health Officer Dr. Jagadeeshwara Rao, Additional DMHO Dr. Ramesh, and Head of the Department of Gynaecology Dr. Soumini inaugurated the programme and emphasised the need to strengthen clinical skills in assisted deliveries to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Two senior specialists from the Fernandez Foundation provided hands-on training on the use of forceps and vacuum devices, focusing on the safe management of complicated labour without surgical intervention.

The workshop was attended by 57 participants, including Assistant Professors from KGH and VGH, gynaecologists from district hospitals, and postgraduate medical students from KGH.

Officials said the training would help improve doctors’ proficiency in assisted deliveries, a critical procedure between normal delivery and caesarean section, and contribute to reducing maternal and infant complications and mortality.

They added that the availability of forceps and vacuum equipment in hospitals would be reviewed and gaps addressed. AVB procedures performed by trained doctors would be regularly monitored, with technical support extended as required.