Shillong, Sep 17: Along with the rest of the country, the ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ (Health Services For Women and Children) was launched in Meghalaya today.
The fortnight long campaign will host a series of health screening such as maternal health and child immunization, preventive screening for NCD and cancer, anaemia testing and treatment, nutrition counselling and education.
The initiative is India’s largest-ever mobilisation in aid of women and child health to provide preventive, promotive, and curative health services at the community level.
The launch event was organised by the Department of Health & Family Welfare at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan and attended by Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar.
The state-level event was held after a national virtual launch led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In his keynote address, the Governor quoted from the Bhagavad Gita and said, “Where women are honoured, divinity blossoms there”. He connected this principle directly to the state and added, “If at all you have to see anywhere or in any part of the country a female-dominated society, ultimately, you have to come to Meghalaya.”
He encouraged officials to reach out to people within the next 15-days and to ensure that nobody is left out.
Additional Secretary Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, V. Hekali Zhimomi highlighted that women’s health, development, and empowerment are key priorities for moving forward.
Zhimomi noted the state’s unique matrilineal society while also highlighting specific health challenges. It was pointed out that according to data, 53.8 per cent of women in Meghalaya between the ages of 15 and 49 are reported as anaemic. She issued a call to action, urging the state government and health department to reach out to women in both urban and rural areas to ensure they can avail themselves of the health services provided during the campaign. “The health of women is not a choice, it is a necessity,” Zhimomi stressed.
Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar laid emphasis on the State’s plan to conduct two weeks of intensive health and awareness campaigns under the initiative. He said that the effort will be marked by a strong collaboration between both public and private health facilities, securing a wide reaching impact.
Kumar said key focus will be made towards preventive care, including cancer screenings, to promote early detection. He also reiterated that the campaign will put considerable efforts to propagate the message of nutrition, address the challenges of childhood stunting.
The launch programme was also held in all districts of the state and NEIGRIHMS.
