Rajasthan to Launch FCM Pink Drive | 30 Oct 2025

Why in News? 

The Rajasthan Health Department is set to use Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM) injection to combat anaemia among pregnant women in the state.  

Key Points 

  • About:  
    • The Rajasthan Health Department will launch the FCM Pink Drive from 17th November to 30th November 2025, to combat anaemia, a leading cause of maternal deaths. 
    • The initiative aims to reduce maternal mortality by promoting the use of Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM) injections, which are effective in treating iron deficiency anaemia. 
    • FCM injections, such as Orofer FCM, help increase iron levels in the body, boosting red blood cell formation and haemoglobin, essential for oxygen transport, and preventing complications in pregnant women. 
  • Launch of Digital Tool: Dr Amit Yadav, Mission Director of the National Health Mission, launched the FCM Pink Drive and introduced FCM usage guidelines, a poster, and the digital Garbh Sutra application, which calculates correct dosages for service providers. 
    • These digital tools are designed to improve capacity building, real-time monitoring, and data-driven decision-making to ensure better service delivery and improve maternal health outcomes. 
  • Collaboration: In collaboration with development partner Jhpiego, the Health Department also hosted a state-level workshop to train various stakeholders on effective FCM usage for anaemia management in pregnant women. 

 Anaemia 

  • Anaemia is a condition primarily caused by iron deficiency, leading to low haemoglobin levels and reduced oxygen supply to organs, resulting in fatigue, weakness, and impaired physical and cognitive function.  
  • According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), women in the reproductive age group and having haemoglobin levels lower than 12 grams per decilitre (g / dL), as well as children under 5 with haemoglobin levels lower than 11.0 g / dL, are considered anaemic. 

 Anaemia