The most effective step in MCH is

The objectives of MCH care are- Reduction of morbidity and mortality rates of mothers  and children  Promotion of reproductive health Promotion of the physical and psychological development of child within family  This is achieved by working under the following sub components-  Maternal health  Family planning Child health  School health  Handicapped children  Care of children in special settings such as day care centres It is evident from the objectives and Sub components that the most effective step is maternal health promotion . Factors that effect maternal health such as urbanisation , rural migration , changing patterns of women's work and status is seen to have direct effect on child bearing and child rearing. Thus by achieving maternal health,it is possible to assure the achievement of all other steps. Hence option 1 is the most appropriate answer.