As part of the ongoing Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivaar Abhiyaan (SNSPA) campaign, special health initiatives were organised across Meghalaya today to promote women’s health and community well-being.
The Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar (SNSP) Abhiyaan campaign was observed today with specialised health camps in schools in Nongmensong area in Meghalaya spreading the message of Healthy Women, Strong Families among adolescent girls and boys. Various health education and awareness sessions were conducted at St. George Higher Secondary School and St. Jerome Higher Secondary School in Nongmensong and Army Public School, 101 area, East Khasi Hills, Shillong by team of doctors and health staff from NEIGRIHMS. The programwitnessed strong participation from doctors, nursing staff, dietician and Public Health Nursing Officers, offering health education and on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, substance abuse, responsible citizenship, and mental health issues in school going children. Special awareness sessions were also conducted focusing on maternal and women’s health including menstrual hygiene.
Dr Nivedita Malik, Zonal President, AWWA, inaugurated the event at Army Public School, 101 Area, Shillong. The team of specialists included Dr. Wansalan Karu Shullai (Obstetrics and Gynecology), Dr. Star Pala (Community Medicine), Dr. Preety(Community Medicine), Dr. Pragya Pandey (Community Medicine) from NEIGRIHMS. Mr. Wallam Lynrah (Public Health Nursing Officer), Ms. Thiris Pala (Nursing Officer, Community Medicine), and Shri. Pulak Matabbar Dietician, NEIGRIHMS also participated in the awareness campaign.
At Mawryngkneng CHC, East Khasi Hills, a Medical Camp was inaugurated by local MLA Shri H. Kharpran. Specialists from NEIGRIHMS, Nazareth Hospital and local medical teams provided consultations and treatment. Dr. E.L. Kharmutee, DMCHO, highlighted the importance of such camps in improving grassroots healthcare.
At Resubelpara CHC, North Garo Hills, a Blood Donation Camp was organised with the presence of Deputy Commissioner Dr. Abhishek Saini, who underscored the benefits of blood donation drive wherein he stated that the program focused on strengthening healthcare services particularly for women by screening and treatment of women’s health issues. “When a woman’s health is improved it has a cascading effect on improving the overall health of the family and the society as a whole”, said Dr Saini.
Pressing the medical team to expedite effort in setting up a blood bank in the district, the DC said that it was imperative for the CHC to have a blood storage facility, ensuring blood availability as and when needed. This he apprised while informing the status of the Resubelpara Community Health Centre being slated for upgradation to a First Referral Unit (FRU). Earlier Health officers of Resubelpara CHC clarified myths around blood donation and informed that donors who donate blood not only saves lives in emergencies and treatment but also improves the overall health of the blood donors.
Meanwhile, at Selsella CHC, West Garo Hills, a Free Health Camp was held under the supervision of Dr. Malcolm Momin, Senior Medical and Health Officer, Selsella CHC. Services in general medicine, ENT, dentistry, orthopedics, eye care, ANC, immunisation, NCD screening and counselling were provided to over 136 beneficiaries. An Adolescent Health & Wellness session was also conducted with talks on nutrition, substance abuse, menstrual hygiene, anaemia, dental care and rabies awareness. Students from local schools actively participated.
Beneficiaries across the three districts expressed gratitude to the medical teams, Government of India and Government of Meghalaya for providing free, accessible healthcare services.