Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday launched the state level Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivaar Abhiyaan (SNSPA) health campaign with services for women and children at the Capital Convention Centre Kohima.

Speaking on the occasion, Rio said the day is also “a moment of joy and celebration” as it marks the birthday of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The chief minister stated that as the people celebrate today, they can renew their commitment to realise the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 – to transform India into a developed nation as the nation celebrates100 years of independence.

Expressing appreciation for the meaningful initiative of SNSPA which is aimed at improving women’s health to empower families and communities across the nation, Rio asserted that health and empowerment of women are central to the progress of families, communities, and the nation at large.

“When women are healthy, educated, and empowered, the entire society benefits,” he stated.

He maintained that the campaign, organized from September 17 to October 2, culminating on Gandhi Jayanti, is a timely and significant initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

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The chief minister announced that the campaign will focus on health and nutrition of women, adolescent girls, and children with the aim to- srengthen early detection and treatment linkages for various diseases; deliver essential health services to the last mile; promote awareness and encourage families to adopt healthy lifestyles.

He informed that across India, this campaign is being organized at Health and Wellness Centres, PHCs, CHCs, and District Hospitals with a focused approach to address the specific healthcare needs of women and children.

Rio highlighted that in Nagaland, the campaign will be conducted in 523 health units, including 12 District Hospitals, 26 CHCs, 8 UPHCS, 97 HWC-PHCs, 336 HWC-SCs, and 49 AYUSH HWCs.

During the campaign fortnight, health camps will provide a comprehensive package of specialist health services, including screening for non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer; reproductive and child health services, including ANC, PNC, immunization, counselling, and anaemia screening; nutrition and menstrual hygiene awareness, hemoglobin testing, and IFA/calcium supplementation; tuberculosis screening and referrals, enrolment of Nikshay Mitras, and counselling; and mental health awareness and counselling.

CM Rio also noted that Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR) will be actively involved in providing specialist services during the health camps. He also appreciated the participation of private hospitals and clinics, whose contribution will help extend the reach of the campaign to more people.

The chief minister urged all citizens – especially women, mothers, and young girls – to take full advantage of the services that are being offered.

“Let us work together to build healthier families and a stronger Nagaland,” he said.

Meanwhile, extending appreciation to all doctors, nurses, ASHAS, Anganwadi workers, and community volunteers who are the backbone of this campaign, Rio stated that their dedication and service will make this initiative a success. He called upon everyone to rededicate themselves to the goal of universal health coverage and ensure that no one is left behind in the journey toward a healthier and more prosperous Nagaland.

During the launching programme, minister Health and Family Welfare P Paiwang Konyak highlighted that Nagaland has received 26 ambulances, 12 hearse and 6 Mahindra Bolero Rapid Response Team (RRT) vehicles funded and procured under NESIDS for strengthening surveillance.

It was informed that the six RRT vehicles have been earmarked for state, Mon, Dimapur, Phek, Tuensang and Zunheboto.

Stating that all those procurements were made possible under the initiative of the chief minister, Konyak expressed hope that it will go a long way in improving healthcare delivery, ensuring timely medical support and providing dignity in service to the people.

He also thanked the joint secretary Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Rajender Singh, dignitaries, senior officers, health workers, community representatives, development partners, media fraternity and the organizing team, for their participation and contributions towards the success of this launching programme.

The campaign will be undertaken in close convergence with Poshan Mah being observed by Ministry of Women and Child Development. The campaign at the National level has been inaugurated by PM Modi at Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, which was virtually witnessed in the states.

Earlier, State Chaplain Rev. Izieteilung Terieng blessed the program with invocation prayer.

On the occasion, CM Rio also virtually inaugurated the Integrated Public Health Laboratory for District Hospitals of Kohima, Dimapur and Mon. He also officially flagged off the newly procured ambulances, hearses and RRT vehicles.