The Andaman and Nicobar Islands will join the rest of the country in observing the Swasthya Nari Sashakt Parivar campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening women’s health and family well-being. The campaign will run from September 17 to October 2, bringing together health authorities, community institutions and private stakeholders to promote preventive care, nutrition and awareness across the islands.
The fortnight-long programme is designed to provide specialist consultations, free health screenings, and information sessions at community levels. Health camps will be organized across the territory where women and adolescent girls will be offered anaemia testing, non-communicable disease screening, and adolescent health check-ups. Menstrual hygiene awareness sessions will also form part of the drive, ensuring that reproductive health education is extended to younger groups.
Beyond medical check-ups, the campaign will distribute information, education and communication (IEC) materials in local communities. These materials will focus on nutrition, preventive health practices, and simple measures that families can adopt at home to improve overall well-being. By combining screenings with awareness, the initiative aims to address both the clinical and educational aspects of women’s health.
The campaign also includes observation of Poshan Maah at Anganwadi Centres across the islands. Activities under this programme will highlight the importance of balanced diets, child nutrition, and maternal health. Cooking demonstrations, nutrition counselling and growth monitoring sessions are expected to engage both women and caregivers, ensuring that nutrition is not seen merely as an individual responsibility but as a community practice.
Authorities have urged residents to register at nearby health centres to make use of the services being provided. The emphasis on free participation underscores the inclusivity of the programme, which is targeted particularly at underserved groups who may otherwise find healthcare inaccessible. The involvement of private hospitals and healthcare stakeholders is expected to expand the reach of the campaign and ensure that screening and consultations are widely available.
The campaign reflects a shift in public health strategy towards preventive care. While curative services remain essential, early screening for anaemia, diabetes, hypertension and other conditions can significantly reduce long-term disease burdens. For women, who often face barriers in accessing healthcare due to social or economic reasons, the provision of targeted services within their communities is expected to improve outcomes.
The focus on adolescent girls is equally critical. Interventions during adolescence can prevent health issues later in life, from reproductive complications to chronic diseases linked with poor nutrition. By engaging schools and local institutions, the campaign aims to normalize conversations around menstrual hygiene and reproductive health, areas often marked by stigma or silence.
In addition, the Swasthya Nari Sashakt Parivar initiative highlights the role of women’s health in strengthening families and communities. Healthier women are more likely to contribute productively to their households and society, and ensuring their well-being directly impacts child nutrition, educational attainment, and economic resilience.
In the context of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where many communities live in geographically isolated areas, such campaigns are particularly significant. Health camps bring services closer to populations that may otherwise need to travel long distances to access specialists. The participation of Anganwadi Centres ensures that even smaller habitations are included in the programme.
As the campaign begins, its success will depend on community participation and the ability of health workers to translate awareness into action. With screenings, consultations and educational materials all woven into a single initiative, Swasthya Nari Sashakt Parivar represents a holistic effort to not only detect health issues but also empower women to take active roles in managing their well-being.
By aligning medical interventions with education and nutrition, the islands’ observance of the campaign reflects the national vision of building healthier families through empowered women. The coming fortnight will provide a litmus test of how effectively public health strategies can reach the grassroots and ensure long-term benefits for communities across the territory.
