Kolkata: A mobile phone-based alert system called 'M-Health Service', was launched on Monday for pregnant women living in rural areas, to help them stay healthy till delivery.

The alert system service requires the would-be mothers to register via a cell phone. Periodic text messages will convey to them necessary treatment details to take care of issues that crop up during pregnancy.

Arati Basu Sengupta, veteran gynecologist and former president of the Bengal Obstetric and Gynecological Society, said that with the help of this mobile health service provider, pregnant women can stay in touch with the experts. They will get updates regarding the guidance and schedule of vaccination.

Reminders would be sent if a woman fails to take adequate steps as prescribed within the specified time. Details of the registered patient will be available online and the service will cease once data on the birthplace of the newborn is provided.

Sengupta, however, raised questions on the last-mile coverage of the service to remote zones.

Moreover, it's the pregnant mother who has to take the measures so the success depends on their initiative. In addition, there are issues concerning radiation emitted from cell phones,

The service has been initiated by Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust.

(Inputs from IANS)