Chhattisgarh on Wednesday joined the nationwide launch of the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar (Healthy Woman, Empowered Family) campaign as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the initiative from Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, on his 75th birthday.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi participated in the programme from Raipur’s Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, where thousands of women gathered to witness the inauguration.
The Chief Minister also released a nutrition calendar and inspected stalls showcasing health and nutrition schemes run by the state’s Women and Child Development and Health Departments.
Addressing the campaign’s significance, Mr. Sai said that maternal health protection is a “historic step” for Chhattisgarh. He stressed that the fortnight-long drive, scheduled from September 17 to October 2, would see widespread health camps across the state providing free screening and medicines for tuberculosis, anaemia, and cancer.
“These efforts will not only safeguard mothers and daughters but also strengthen the foundation of a developed India,” he said.
The Chief Minister underlined the state’s contribution to national schemes such as Poshan Abhiyaan, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and the sickle cell anaemia mission, noting that they have improved the lives of millions of women and tribal communities.
He also flagged off a ‘Nutrition Rath’ to spread awareness in districts, honoured meritorious girl students under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, and planted a sandalwood sapling under the ‘One Tree in Mother’s Name’ initiative.