Nadda highlights success of menstrual hygiene campaign

Over 62 lakh pregnant women have been provided antenatal care check-ups, and 96.5 lakh adolescent girls counselled on menstrual hygiene during the “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan” campaign, Union Health Minister JP Nadda informed the Lok Sabha on Friday. The campaign was conducted by the Union Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), from September 17 to October 2.

It aimed at strengthening healthcare services for women and children across India, with a focus on improving access, quality care, and awareness through “Jan Bhagidaari” (public participation).

According to the data provided, 97.2 lakh women have been screened for diabetes, 40.8 lakh for oral cancer, 37.7 lakh for breast cancer, and 19.2 lakh for cervical cancer during the campaign.

Under the initiative, 19.7 lakh countrywide dedicated health camps were organised with a footfall of more than 11 crore on all healthcare platforms to provide screenings and specialist and telemedicine services, including counselling activities, Nadda stated.

There was a provision of medical and health services for women, including check-ups for ENT, eye, and dental care.

Activities for promoting healthy lifestyles, such as reducing obesity, promoting local and regional food, and distribution of ‘take home ration’ were undertaken, focusing on women’s health, including screenings for oral, breast and cervical cancer, anaemia, hypertension, diabetes, tuberculosis, and sickle cell diseases.

During the campaign, maternal and child health services, such as antenatal care checkups, immunisation, early childhood care, and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, were also provided.

Digital cards were distributed, including the Mother and Child Protection card, Sickle Cell card, and registration was also facilitated for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and the POSHAN tracker, Nadda said.