The Rajasthan Health Department launched the FCM Pink Drive from November 17 to 30, 2025, to combat anaemia and reduce maternal mortality by promoting the use of Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM) injections. Rajasthan has one of India's highest anaemia prevalence rates — approximately 72% among pregnant women — which contributes significantly to maternal and infant mortality. FCM is an intravenous iron supplement used to treat severe iron deficiency anaemia where oral iron supplements are ineffective or not tolerated. The campaign targets pregnant women and adolescent girls across government health facilities. Anaemia causes complications during childbirth, low birth weight in newborns, and increased risk of postpartum haemorrhage. The drive is linked to the national Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) programme launched in 2018 under the National Health Mission, which provides weekly Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation to six target groups. Rajasthan's maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has declined over the years but remains above the national average. The FCM Pink Drive focuses on a district-wise intensification of FCM administration under supervision of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and ASHA workers to reach the most vulnerable women in rural and tribal belts.
Rajasthan FCM Pink Drive 2025: Health Department Launches Campaign to Combat Anaemia and Reduce Maternal Mortality
The Rajasthan Health Department launched the FCM Pink Drive from November 17 to 30, 2025, to combat anaemia and reduce maternal mortality by promoting the use of Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM) injections. Rajasthan has one of India's highest anaemia prevalence rates — approximately 72% among pregnant women — which contributes significantly to maternal and infant mortality. FCM is an intravenous iron supplement used to treat severe iron deficiency anaemia where oral iron supplements are ineffective or not tolerated. The campaign targets pregnant women and adolescent girls across government health facilities. Anaemia causes complications during childbirth, low birth weight in newborns, and increased risk of postpartum haemorrhage. The drive is linked to the national Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) programme launched in 2018 under the National Health Mission, which provides weekly Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation to six target groups. Rajasthan's maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has declined over the years but remains above the national average. The FCM Pink Drive focuses on a district-wise intensification of FCM administration under supervision of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and ASHA workers to reach the most vulnerable women in rural and tribal belts.
Key facts
- Rajasthan launched FCM Pink Drive from November 17–30 to combat anaemia.
- NFHS-5 reports 46.3% anaemia among pregnant women in Rajasthan.
- FCM is an intravenous iron supplement for severe iron deficiency anaemia treatment.
- The drive targets pregnant women and adolescent girls in government health facilities.
- It is linked to the national Anaemia Mukt Bharat programme launched in 2018.
- ANMs and ASHA workers supervise FCM administration in rural and tribal areas.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the FCM Pink Drive and when was it launched in Rajasthan?
The FCM Pink Drive is a health campaign launched by the Rajasthan Health Department from November 17 to 30, 2025. It aims to combat anaemia and reduce maternal mortality by promoting the use of Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM) intravenous iron injections for pregnant women and adolescent girls in government health facilities.
What is FCM (Ferric Carboxymaltose) and why is it preferred over oral iron supplements?
FCM is an intravenous iron supplement used to treat severe iron-deficiency anaemia. It is preferred over oral iron supplements in cases where: (1) oral iron is ineffective or not tolerated due to gastrointestinal side effects; (2) rapid iron replenishment is needed (e.g., third trimester of pregnancy); and (3) severe anaemia needs faster correction to prevent complications during delivery.
What is the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in Rajasthan?
Approximately 72% of pregnant women in Rajasthan suffer from anaemia — one of the highest prevalence rates in India. This high rate significantly contributes to maternal and infant mortality in the state.
How does the FCM Pink Drive connect to the national Anaemia Mukt Bharat programme?
The FCM Pink Drive is an intensification of the national Anaemia Mukt Bharat (Anaemia-Free India) programme launched in 2018. While Anaemia Mukt Bharat focuses on oral iron supplementation and weekly iron-folic acid tablets across age groups, the FCM Pink Drive adds an intravenous iron intervention for the most severe cases among pregnant women.
What is the role of ANMs and ASHA workers in the FCM Pink Drive?
ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives) and ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers are the frontline supervisors of FCM administration in rural and tribal areas. They identify severely anaemic beneficiaries, ensure timely referral to health facilities, supervise FCM injection administration, and track post-injection recovery — making them critical to the programme's last-mile delivery.
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