MYSURU: Chamarajanagar district has achieved a significant milestone in family planning, recording six vasectomies within the first nine months of 2024—an unprecedented figure for the region. This increase is largely attributed to an awareness campaign initiated by district health department officials, as historically, the district often recorded zero vasectomies in many years.
Under the current health initiative, individuals who undergo a vasectomy are compensated with Rs 1,100, while the motivators—such as ASHA workers, PHC doctors, and community health officers—receive Rs 200 for their efforts in encouraging participation. Between January and September 2024, vasectomies were performed in Gundlupet and Yelandur taluks (two each), with one procedure each recorded in Hanur and Chamarajanagar taluks.
Over the past six years, from 2018 to 2023, the district only recorded eight vasectomies, with both 2023 and 2022 seeing no such procedures at all. Dr. S Chidambar, the District Health Officer (DHO), noted that the district currently operates 60 primary health centers (PHCs), with a goal of performing at least one vasectomy at each center this year.
Despite the progress, social taboos and misconceptions surrounding vasectomy continue to hinder participation. Many men hesitate to undergo the procedure, often opting out at the last minute. Health officials emphasized the importance of addressing these misconceptions and raising awareness, particularly in situations where wives cannot undergo family planning procedures due to health risks. The officials reiterated that educating men is essential for overcoming societal barriers and promoting family planning initiatives in the district.
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