The Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has aligned with the national roll-out of the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan, an initiative dedicated to women’s health and family empowerment. Launched nationwide by the Prime Minister from Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, the campaign is being observed across the islands through a series of events and health activities scheduled to continue until October 2.
At Sri Vijaya Puram, the national launch was webcast at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT) conference hall, where senior officials and public representatives gathered. The programme was formally inaugurated in the Union Territory by Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray and Chief Secretary Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, alongside other officers of the Administration. The event signaled the beginning of a coordinated health campaign that dovetails with Poshan Maah, an annual observance dedicated to nutrition awareness.
The Abhiyaan has simultaneously been taken forward in the Nicobar district. At Car Nicobar, the launch was led by Deputy Commissioner Amit Kale in the conference hall of BJR Hospital. Local participation was a highlight, with women from different villages attending in large numbers. Village Captains and women representatives were urged to mobilize communities to actively take part in the campaign. Under the Nicobar programme, a range of health services are being made available at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, including screenings for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Tuberculosis, Anemia and Sickle Cell Disease, as well as antenatal care, immunization drives, and awareness sessions on menstrual hygiene and women’s nutrition. Facilities for registration under schemes such as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), ABHA health IDs, Nikshay Mitra, and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) are also being provided.
In Little Andaman, the inaugural programme was held at Panchayat Samiti Bhavan, Hut Bay, under the aegis of Primary Health Centre Hut Bay. The event brought together local representatives including the Pramukh, Divisional Forest Officer and community leaders, underscoring the collective responsibility behind the campaign. Cultural programmes by Anganwadi workers added vibrancy, with songs, dances, and short plays used to spread awareness. Self-help group members showcased millet- and moringa-based recipes designed for malnourished children and lactating mothers, reinforcing the nutrition dimension of the initiative. Residents participated actively in the health screening activities organized on the opening day, demonstrating the public’s readiness to utilize the services offered.
Across all three locations, the Abhiyaan has adopted a multipronged approach that goes beyond medical check-ups. The Social Welfare Department organized Food Basket Displays and healthy recipe demonstrations at DBRAIT to highlight affordable and nutritious options for households. These displays aim to encourage dietary shifts that can strengthen family health in the long term. Officials explained that the initiative reflects a holistic view of women’s health, linking physical screenings with nutrition education and community engagement.
The Administration has emphasized that the campaign is not limited to the fortnight leading up to Gandhi Jayanti but is part of a larger vision for improving health outcomes. By prioritizing women’s health, the campaign is expected to create ripple effects that strengthen family well-being and build resilient communities. Health screenings are designed to promote early detection and treatment of diseases, while nutrition-focused activities tackle persistent challenges of malnutrition and anemia.
Officials have called on the general public to make full use of the facilities provided under the campaign. From rural panchayats to urban centers, health camps and awareness drives are being conducted to ensure widespread reach. Special attention is being given to tribal and remote communities, where access to healthcare remains limited. With its integration of medical services, nutrition promotion, and cultural outreach, the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan has taken root across the islands. As the activities unfold through September, the campaign reflects a unified effort to ensure that healthier women lead to stronger families, aligning with the national message that women’s empowerment begins with health.
