ITANAGAR, 18 Sep: Governor KT Parnaik participated in the virtual launching of the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA) at Dorjee Khandu Convention Centre here on Wednesday. The fortnight programme was launched by the Prime Minister of India from Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.
The governor, accompanied by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, launched the state’s version of the SNSPA. They also visited the health kiosks and interacted with health officials and participants. Health Minister Biyuram Wahge, Home Minister Mama Natung, Urban Development Minister Balo Raja, Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing, MLA Dr Mohesh Chai, and Chief Secretary Manish Gupta were present, among others.
Interacting with the chief minister, ministers, and health officials, the governor advised them to ensure accessible and well-organized health services across the state to realize the shared goal of a ‘Swasth Arunachal, Swachh Bharat’.
The governor suggested that the abhiyaan must be treated as a people’s movement. He suggested to the officials to organize screening camps at primary health centres, health and wellness centres, and through mobile medical units to check women for anaemia, hypertension, diabetes, and cancers.
In Upper Siang district, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Lumgeng Litin launched the SNSPA along with the 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah campaign at the district hospital in Yingkiong.
He also inaugurated a blood donation drive organised by the district hospital’s blood centre.
In his address, Litin emphasized the importance of women’s health and the urgent need to break pre-conceived notions that hinder women’s empowerment. “When a woman is healthy and enlightened, the entire family thrives in knowledge and wellbeing,” he said.
He urged the Health Department to proactively implement the programme across all remote areas of the district, ensuring that every woman and child is reached and benefits from the initiative.
District Medical Officer Dr Gepeng Litin informed that the department has already identified locations across the district for the implementation of the campaign, which will be conducted from 17 September to 2 October.
Earlier, District Tuberculosis Officer Dr Ahik Miyuhighlighted the key objectives of the programme. On the sidelines of the event, he also spoke about the Nikshay Mitra campaign for TB patients, and appealed to the public to support TB patients by adopting them and contributing towards their treatment and nutritional requirements.
Dr K Patuk spoke about the importance of blood donation, expressed his gratitude to the voluntary blood donors for their selfless contribution, and emphasized that their act of donating blood helps save lives and gives a new lease of life to needy patients.
DRCHO Dr Andeng Litin, Medical Superintendent Dr K Patuk, Dr K Teng, HoDs, medical professionals, government officials, health workers, prominent public leaders, and others participated in the event.
In Lower Subansiri district, Ziro MLA Hage Appalaunched the SNSPA at Gyati Takka General Hospitalin Ziro, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme, District Medical Officer Dr Millo Kunya, medical fraternity, doctors, nurses and ASHAs.
The abhiyaan, scheduled from 17 September to 2 October, will focus on women and child health through specialist health camps and saturation of services across the district. Health camps will be organised at CHCs and HWCs of Lower Subansiri to ensure wide outreach.
DMO Dr Millo Kunya highlighted the importance of maternal health, stating, “If a mother in the family is healthy, the entire family is empowered.” She urged ASHAs to actively spread awareness and mobilize mothers and children to avail tests such as haemoglobin and TB, and checkups for antenatal issues, breast cancer, cervical cancer, etc.
The DC in her address appealed to health workers to extend special care to rural mothers, many of whom are unaware of essential health practices. She emphasized the need for proactive outreach to ensure that no woman is left behind.
Appa praised the dedication of the healthcare workers and said, “Hospitals are more sacred than any religious place, for here people of all faiths come with hope for healing.”
He also called for “attitudinal change” among healthcare providers, citing the example of Dr Hage Tam, known for his compassionate care. “Good behaviour of doctors and nurses half-heals the patient,” he added.
In West Siang district, the SNSPA was launched at Pushi Doke village by Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini.
The programme witnessed active participation of specialists from various departments, who extended their services to the community.
In his address, Jini urged all villagers to avail of the benefits of the camp and to adopt healthy lifestyles for a stronger and more prosperous community. Recognizing the remoteness of Pushi Doke village, he assured the public that a health sub-centre would be established in the village.
DMO Dr Linya Lollen and District Family Welfare Officer Dr Tomar Kamki also spoke.
The health camp recorded a total footfall of more than 154 beneficiaries, who availed medical consultations and services across multiple specialties.
In East Siang district, the SNSPA was launched at Bakin Pertin General Hospital in Pasighat on Wednesday by Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang, in the presence of DMO Dr Yagling Perme, BPGH Joint Director Dr Talung Tali, doctors, and medical staff. (Raj Bhavan, with inputs from DIPROs)
