The Andaman and Nicobar Islands witnessed two major health outreach programmes under the ongoing Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan, reflecting the administration’s focus on women’s health and preventive care for working professionals. Camps were organised at Mannarghat in collaboration with the Gram Panchayat and at the Police Line for personnel of the Armed Police Unit, drawing significant participation from both communities.
At the community hall in Mannarghat, a multispeciality health camp was held under the supervision of the Directorate of Health Services and the Department of Social Welfare. The event opened with a ceremonial lamp lighting in the presence of the Member of Parliament, senior health officials, Panchayat representatives and community leaders. The aim was to address pressing health concerns such as anaemia, tuberculosis and non-communicable diseases that continue to affect women and families in the region.
Specialist doctors, including a gynaecologist, paediatrician, ENT surgeon and dentist, attended to patients, while dedicated screenings were carried out for anaemia, hypertension, diabetes, tuberculosis and oral cancer. Sessions on menstrual hygiene and nutrition were conducted, and Anganwadi workers displayed food baskets and healthy recipes in collaboration with the Integrated Child Development Services. A cultural programme staged by schoolchildren and Anganwadi centres added a festive dimension, reflecting how health awareness was blended with community celebration.
The camp benefitted 147 individuals, who availed of various diagnostic and consultation services. Officials stressed that anaemia remains a critical challenge among women and adolescents, while lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are on the rise. Schoolchildren were encouraged to undergo anaemia screening, and families were urged to adopt balanced diets as part of the campaign’s preventive focus.
At the Police Line in South Andaman, another health awareness and screening camp targeted police personnel. The camp was designed to detect non-communicable diseases and tuberculosis early, providing on-site chest X-ray facilities to enhance detection. Health experts highlighted that vulnerable groups such as smokers, alcohol users, diabetics, malnourished individuals and those above 60 years remain particularly at risk.
Dr. Minita Reggy, a consultant with the World Health Organization, sensitised participants on the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative, explaining the types of support that can be extended to TB patients. The initiative promotes preventive healthcare among working professionals, making services available during duty hours to reduce barriers to access.
The district administration emphasised that regular check-ups are essential to ensure workforce health and productivity. Authorities announced that similar camps would be replicated across departments to widen coverage and ensure that employees in different sectors receive timely screenings.
Officials also appealed to women across the Islands to avail themselves of health screenings being conducted under the SNSP Abhiyan at all health centres until 2 October 2025. The drive is part of a larger effort to combine health education with service delivery, ensuring both awareness and action.
Taken together, the two camps demonstrate the administration’s strategy of taking healthcare to specific groups, rural families through Gram Panchayat networks and uniformed personnel through workplace-based programmes. Both approaches highlight the convergence model, where multiple departments and community organisations collaborate to deliver holistic services.
The success of the Mannarghat camp, where healthcare delivery was integrated with cultural participation, and the Police Line camp, which brought services to a professional setting, underscores the adaptability of the SNSP Abhiyan. With continued focus on anaemia, tuberculosis and non-communicable diseases, the initiative seeks to improve health outcomes while empowering women and safeguarding the workforce.
