By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 27: Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar on Saturday urged health workers and community leaders to work collectively to help the state emerge as a model in implementing the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan (SNSPA).
Addressing a programme at Tirot Sing Memorial Civil Hospital, Mairang, Eastern West Khasi Hills, the Governor underscored the importance of women’s health.
He said that wide coverage under the scheme would not only strengthen women’s health but also bring national recognition to Meghalaya for its performance.
“If the women of the family are healthy, then the entire family will be healthy. The prime minister has envisioned this programme to reach every woman, every household and every community of the country,” he said.
Expressing concern over rising health challenges in the state, including cancer, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and substance abuse, the Governor stressed the need to spread awareness, particularly against tobacco consumption and drug abuse.
He then appealed to religious and community leaders to take a proactive role for the same.
On the occasion, Vijayashankar also distributed nutrition kits to pregnant women, sanitary pads to adolescent girls and medical kit bags to TB patients.
Commending the efforts of the district administration, medical officers and frontline health workers in organising the campaign, he informed that the best performers in carrying forward the initiative would be formally honoured on behalf of the state government.
On the occasion, Medical Superintendent of Tirot Sing Memorial Hospital, Mairang, Dr Timothy L Nonglait, said, “This campaign is not just about healthcare; it is about holistic nourishment and recognising that a healthy woman builds a healthy family and a prosperous nation.”
“The Abhiyan specifically focuses on women, adolescents, and children by ensuring the delivery of preventive, promotive and curative services right at the community level. This crucial work is part of our commitment to empowering families, building healthier lifestyles and realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he added.
Dr Nonglait also informed that the hospital has been providing a wide range of services under the programme, including antenatal check-ups, immunisation for children, haemoglobin screening, screening for hypertension, diabetes, cancers, TB checks and counselling services.
He also highlighted enrolment drives for Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), Aadhaar and Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) cards, availability of both minor and major surgeries and a blood donation drive with 18 donors.
On average, the hospital caters to nearly 6,000 patients per month, Dr Nonglait added.
