Prime Minister Modi to Launch ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ on September 17
On September 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to unveil the ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan,’ a significant initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare and nutrition services for women, adolescent girls, and children across India. This launch coincides with the 8th Poshan Maah, a month dedicated to promoting nutrition awareness and healthy eating habits.
A Collaborative Effort
The initiative is a joint effort between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The health ministry will spearhead the delivery of preventive, promotive, and curative health services through a network of health camps and facilities nationwide. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Women and Child Development will integrate Poshan Maah activities into the campaign, mobilizing women and adolescent girls through Anganwadi centers. This dual approach aims to provide comprehensive nutrition counseling and recipe demonstrations, ensuring that the health and nutritional needs of these demographics are met in a holistic manner.
Objectives of the Campaign
According to an official statement, the ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a healthier India, termed ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. The campaign aims to deliver women-centric health services at the community level, focusing on screening, early detection, and treatment for non-communicable diseases, anemia, tuberculosis, and sickle cell disease. Additionally, it will promote maternal, child, and adolescent health through antenatal care, immunization, and awareness activities related to nutrition, menstrual hygiene, and mental health.
Health Minister JP Nadda emphasized the initiative’s goal of strengthening healthcare services for women and children, ensuring better access and quality care. He has called upon private hospitals and healthcare stakeholders to actively participate in this community-driven initiative, termed ‘Jan Bhagidaari Abhiyaan.’
Nationwide Health Camps
The campaign will run from September 17 to October 2, utilizing various government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and District Hospitals. The government plans to organize at least 100,000 health camps, marking this as the largest health outreach initiative for women and children in the country’s history.
Specialist services in fields such as gynecology, pediatrics, ENT, dental care, dermatology, and psychiatry will be mobilized through medical colleges, district hospitals, and private healthcare institutions. Central government institutions, including AIIMS and various defense and railway hospitals, will also contribute to ensuring that specialized services reach the most underserved communities.
Community Mobilization
Daily health camps will be conducted across all government health facilities, with public representatives, including central and state ministers, Members of Parliament, and local leaders, participating in the campaign. Community health workers such as ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists), ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives), and Anganwadi workers will play a crucial role in grassroots mobilization, ensuring that the initiative reaches those who need it most.
Historical Context
The launch of this initiative comes at a time when India faces significant challenges in healthcare and nutrition, particularly for women and children. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), anemia affects a substantial percentage of women and children in India, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions. The government’s commitment to addressing these issues through comprehensive health services reflects a broader trend in public health policy, emphasizing preventive care and community engagement.
Conclusion
The ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ represents a pivotal step in India’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare and nutrition for its most vulnerable populations. By integrating services and mobilizing community resources, the initiative aims to create a healthier future for women and children across the nation. As the campaign unfolds, its success will depend on the active participation of various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, community leaders, and the public at large.
