Shillong, September 17 th , 2025: The Department of Health & Family Welfare,
Government of Meghalaya today officially launched the state chapter of the ‘Swasth
Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ (Health Services For Women and Children) , a
landmark initiative dedicated towards developing health services for women and
children. The state ceremony, held at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Shillong was
graced by Shri. C.H. Vijayashankar, Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya, as the guest of
honour.
The national virtual launch, led by Shri Narendra Modi, the Hon'ble Prime Minister
of India, was followed by the state-level launch. In his address to the nation, the
Prime Minister unveiled the nationwide initiative, which focuses on solidifying the
foundations for family and community health by emphasizing the well-being of
women and children. He also launched other initiatives, including 'Rashtriya Poshan
Maah,' along with the transfer of instalments to beneficiaries of the 'Pradhan Mantri
Matru Vandana' scheme.
In his keynote address, Shri. C.H. Vijayashankar, Hon’ble Governor of
Meghalaya citing wisdom from the Bhagvat Gita, said, “Where women are
honoured, divinity blossoms there". He connected this principle directly to
Meghalaya saying, "If at all you have to see anywhere or in any part of the country
a female-dominated society, ultimately, you have to come to the state of
Meghalaya."
Encouraging the officials to reach out to people in these 15 days, the Hon'ble
Governor said, “This 15-days programme should be celebrated as a festival in
Meghalaya. What else can be done by the government? Only thing we go is to reach
out in these 15 days. We should not hear anybody to be left out. Entire department
should be involved and should feel that they have given justice to the state of
Meghalaya."
He concluded by praising the Hon’ble Prime Minister for giving this wonderful
program to the nation.
Ms. V. Hekali Zhimomi, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health
and Family Welfare, Government of India, highlighted that women's health,
development, and empowerment are key priorities for moving forward. She also
lauded the efforts of Hon’ble Prime Minister for the successful launch of the
campaign. In the context of Meghalaya, the speaker noted the state's unique
matrilineal society while also highlighting specific health challenges. It was pointed
out that according to data, 53.8% of women in the state between the ages of 15 and
49 are reported as anaemic. She issued a call to action, urging the state government
and health department to reach out to women in both urban and rural areas to
ensure they can avail themselves of the health services provided during the
campaign. “The health of women is not a choice, it is a necessity," Ms. V. Hekali
emphasized.
In his welcome address, Shri. Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary,
Health and Family Welfare, laid emphasis on the State’s plan to conduct two
weeks of intensive health and awareness campaigns under the initiative. He said that
the effort will be marked by a strong collaboration between both public and private
health facilities, securing a wide reaching impact. He stressed on how the campaign
will strategically accelerate the goals of Meghalaya. He added that the key focus will
be made towards preventive care, including cancer screenings, to promote early
detection. “Early detection can help us address these issues effectively, and I request
the entire state, district and block teams to proactively encourage these health
screenings”, said Shri. Sampath Kumar. He also reiterated that campaign will put
considerable efforts to propagate the message of nutrition, address the challenges of
childhood stunting. He concluded by urging everyone to make this campaign, a
resounding success.
