Early Times Report
LEH, Sept 17: Emphasising that women's health is the foundation of strong families and a stronger nation, Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor, Kavinder Gupta, today launched the "Swasth Nari - Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan" at SNM Hospital in Leh. The initiative seeks to prioritise preventive healthcare, nutrition, and dignity for women through a series of health camps and awareness activities.
The campaign, inaugurated earlier today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, aims to enhance women's health and family welfare nationwide. Extending this initiative to Ladakh, special health camps will be organised in both Leh and Kargil districts.
On the occasion, Chairman/CEC LAHDC Leh Adv. Tashi Gyalson; Chairman/CEC LAHDC Kargil Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon; Member of Parliament from Ladakh Mohmad Haneefa Jan; Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal; Executive Councillor LAHDC Leh Ghulam Mehdi; Principal Secretary Health & Medical Education Sanjeev Khirwar; Mission Director NHM UT Ladakh Tushar Anand; Director Health Services Dr. Tashi Thinles and other senior officials were present.
Highlighting the objectives of the campaign, the Lt Governor said it is not merely a health programme but also a celebration of women's dignity and the strength of families. He stressed that when women are healthy, families become stronger, and when families are strong, the nation progresses.
The Lt Governor reiterated that women constitute 50% of society and empowering them is essential for building an empowered nation. Ensuring women's health, he said, will play a pivotal role in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Citing various Central Government schemes such as Mahila Samridhi Yojana, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, the Lt Governor said these initiatives reflect the government's strong commitment to women's empowerment across economic, social, health, and educational sectors.
Expressing concern over the prevalence of cervical and breast cancer among Ladakhi women, the Lt Governor directed the Health and Medical Education Department to carry out mass screening in a mission mode. He urged elected representatives to work collectively for the welfare and health of women across Ladakh.
Praising India's robust healthcare response during the Covid-19 pandemic, he noted that India recorded lower fatality rates than many developed nations. This, he said, was an example of the Prime Minister's vision of turning "Aapda mein Aavsar" (crisis into opportunity) through timely vaccine administration.
The Lt Governor further highlighted the unprecedented transformation of healthcare facilities in Ladakh post-2019, following its formation as a Union Territory. He said that today even remote regions have access to improved healthcare facilities, while SNM Hospital Leh and District Hospital Kargil are equipped with modern infrastructure and advanced medical equipment.
He also emphasised the importance of Seva Parv and Vriksha Ropan in Ladakh's high-altitude desert terrain, and called for regular blood donation and awareness camps to ensure people benefit from various health schemes. He urged women to fully avail the ongoing health camps being organised across the UT till October 2.
In his concluding remarks, the Lt Governor appealed to all citizens to become active participants in the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar campaign and help make Ladakh a model state of healthy and empowered women.
In his address, CEC Leh Adv. Tashi Gyalson highlighted the transformation of healthcare facilities in Ladakh after 2019, including the sanctioning of a Medical College and gazetted posts for health officials.
CEC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, emphasised the direct connection between a mother's health and a family's well-being, calling women the backbone of society. He also underlined the need to improve the remuneration of ASHA and Anganwadi workers.
MP Ladakh, Mohmad Haneefa Jan, spoke about the challenges faced by women in Ladakh due to tough climatic conditions and limited access to nutritious food. He appreciated the steps taken by the Central Government and UT Administration to address these issues and urged women to make full use of the facilities provided through the campaign.
Earlier, Principal Secretary Health & Medical Education Sanjeev Khirwar welcomed the dignitaries, while Mission Director NHM Ladakh, Tushar Anand, delivered the vote of thanks.
Under the 'Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar' campaign, medical and health camps will be held nationwide from 17th September to 2nd October. On this occasion, the 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah was also launched, along with the transfer of funds under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana directly into the bank accounts of eligible women. The Prime Minister also launched the Suman Sakhi Chatbot to raise awareness on maternal and child health. |
