MP to launch ‘Healthy Women, Empowered Family’ campaign on PM Modi’s birthday

The Madhya Pradesh State Government would launch a ‘Healthy Women, Empowered Family’ campaign across the state from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday on 17 September.

The same day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also scheduled to lay the foundation stone of the country’s first ‘PM-MITRA’ textile park in Dhar district of the state.

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Addressing a review meeting of the health sector along with the Departments of Public Health and Family Welfare, AYUSH, and Tribal Affairs at the Jawahar Block of Raj Bhavan in Bhopal on Wednesday, MP Governor Mangubhai Patel stressed the need of organizing screening camps for sickle cell and tuberculosis (TB) in weekly markets (haat bazaars) to ensure access to health services for hard-to-reach populations. He said that the achievements of the 100-day sickle cell testing campaign have been significant, and the campaign should be extended to 125 days.

Governor Patel highlighted the importance of continuous engagement of health workers with Anganwadi centers. He said that leveraging Anganwadi centres can significantly enhance reach and effectiveness of family welfare programs. He emphasized that during his district visits, programs such as PM Janman, Dharti Abha, sickle cell, and TB management should be rigorously reviewed.

He also called for organising screening camps for TB and sickle cell at program sites during his visits and stressed the need for the cooperation of elected representatives to strengthen health services. Financial support through MP/MLA funds should also be explored, and the Governor urged elected representatives to provide further assistance.

Governor Patel said that reaching the last mile in health services is crucial for the success of health programs. Community outreach and health education initiatives are highly effective. He appreciated the efforts to organize sickle cell testing camps in Eklavya schools and asked principals and teachers in tribal hostels to sensitize students about sickle cell disease.

He also stressed the need to improve the distribution of Ayurvedic medicines and directed that sickle cell patients be provided with Ayurvedic treatment.

Officials informed that the department has already provided Ayurvedic medicines to 1546 patients in Dhar and 1015 patients in Barwani as part of a pilot project. During the 100-day sickle cell campaign, over 12 lakh genetic cards for patients have been distributed, with plans for the Prime Minister to hand over the 1-croreth card.

Officials informed that positive results are emerging from TB and sickle cell management efforts, including reductions in patient dropouts, mortality rates, and maternal mortality linked to sickle cell disease.