Panaji: The Matrutva Yojana, a flagship scheme of the Goa government’s Directorate of Tribal Welfare, has proven highly impactful in supporting tribal women facing infertility issues.
To date, the scheme’s support for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment has helped 60 women successfully deliver babies, including 10 cases of twin births.
Minister for Tribal Welfare Ramesh Tawadkar, who was instrumental in introducing the initiative during his first tenure from 2012 to 2017, expressed his satisfaction with the positive social outcomes for tribal families.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Mantralaya on Wednesday, Tawadkar announced that the scheme has been conferred with the prestigious SKOCH Silver Award in recognition of its contribution to infertility support.
Under the Matrutva Yojana, the government provides financial assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh to eligible tribal women for IVF treatment. The initiative ensures that advanced fertility treatments, which would otherwise be financially out of reach for many, are accessible to the tribal community.
Tawadkar highlighted that the scheme has received nearly 350 applications so far, showcasing its growing reach. He said that the recognition from the SKOCH Group underscores the state’s commitment to inclusive healthcare and welfare-driven governance. He expressed confidence that the award would further boost awareness and encourage more eligible beneficiaries to apply.
Beyond medical intervention, Tawadkar said that the scheme addresses the emotional and social stigma often associated with infertility. He noted that the Goa government was the first in the country to introduce such a scheme in 2012, and the success has since led to the introduction of IVF facilities in government hospitals, including the Goa Medical College and Hospital.
