Calls for making Ladakh a model of women’s health and empowerment
STATE TIMES NEWS
LEH: Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday launched the Swasth Nari – Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan at SNM Hospital, Leh, emphasising that women’s health is fundamental to building strong families and a stronger nation.
The campaign focuses on preventive healthcare, nutrition, and dignity for women, with special health camps and awareness drives planned across Ladakh.
The campaign was earlier inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, and aims to enhance women’s health and welfare across the nation. Extending the initiative to Ladakh, health camps will be held in both Leh and Kargil districts from September 17 to October 2.
The launch event was attended by senior dignitaries including CEC Leh Adv. Tashi Gyalson, CEC Kargil Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, MP Ladakh Mohmad Haneefa Jan, Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, and senior officials from the Health Department.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, the Lt Governor said this is more than a health programme – it is a celebration of women’s dignity and family strength. He urged citizens to actively participate and help make Ladakh a model of women’s health and empowerment. Stressing the need for regular screenings for cervical and breast cancer, he directed the Health Department to launch mission-mode screening across the UT.
LG Kavinder lauded the transformation in healthcare infrastructure in Ladakh post-2019, noting improved access to quality services in remote areas. SNM Hospital Leh and District Hospital Kargil now have modern facilities, reflecting the government’s focus on equitable healthcare.
He also referenced several women-centric schemes like Mahila Samridhi Yojana, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, stressing that women’s empowerment is key to achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.
CEC Leh Adv. Tashi Gyalson spoke about the sanctioning of a new medical college in Ladakh, while CEC Kargil Dr. Akhoon highlighted the need to support ASHA and Anganwadi workers. MP Mohmad Haneefa Jan acknowledged challenges faced by women in Ladakh and urged them to utilise available healthcare facilities.
The event also marked the launch of the 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah and direct benefit transfers under PM Matru Vandana Yojana. The PM also launched the Suman Sakhi Chatbot to spread awareness on maternal and child health.
