Women’s health in Chhattisgarh gets a new dimension, rural awareness on the rise

Raipur, October 3

The ambitious initiative of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar” (Healthy Women, Empowered Families), has set new benchmarks in Chhattisgarh. In the past fortnight alone, over 31,000 health camps were organized across the state, benefitting nearly 22 lakh people with screening and treatment services. Significantly, the majority of participants were women, underscoring a growing awareness of health in rural areas. This participation reaffirms the campaign’s core belief that when women are healthy, the entire family and society are strengthened.

In these camps, women’s health, nutrition, and anaemia checks were given top priority. Over 5 lakh anaemia tests were conducted, reflecting the government’s resolve to address this long-standing issue among women. Pregnant women underwent ANC check-ups, children were vaccinated, and screenings were held for hypertension, diabetes, TB, cancer, and sickle cell disease. As a result, 1.91 lakh pregnant women were screened, 2.72 lakh underwent sickle cell tests, 3.72 lakh were tested for TB, and more than 67,000 children were vaccinated.

Alongside screenings, women health workers and experts offered counselling on balanced diets, the importance of iron and folic acid, hygiene, and lifestyle improvements. The campaign went beyond treatment to focus on early detection and prevention. Nearly 13 lakh people were sensitized on various health issues, proving that the campaign is not just about curing diseases but about reshaping attitudes towards health across society.

The campaign’s uniqueness was also evident in its integration with the Navratri festival. In districts across the state, women took pledges of “Healthy Women–Secure Families” at Mata pandals and Garba venues. Health teams spread awareness about hygiene, balanced nutrition, regular check-ups, and menstrual hygiene, turning the religious festival into an occasion of public health awareness.

Senior citizens were also included in this effort. A total of 36,186 beneficiaries were distributed Ayushman Vay Vandana cards and PM-JAY cards, giving them free access to advanced healthcare services. The campaign in Chhattisgarh has thus emerged as not just an expansion of healthcare services, but as a model of social empowerment. Reaching villages and remote areas, it demonstrates that when policies are implemented at the grassroots, change is reflected not only in numbers but in lives at every level.

*Commitment towards TB elimination*

The Government of India has set the goal of a TB-free India by 2025 and continues to take decisive steps in this direction. Chhattisgarh is contributing with full commitment. During the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar campaign alone, 3,72,985 people were screened for TB, and treatment was initiated immediately where symptoms were detected. To support TB patients with nutrition and care, more than 7,000 Nikshay Mitras have been registered, providing both dietary support and psychological encouragement.

*CM Sai hails campaign as social empowerment model*

“Healthy women are the foundation of a strong family and society, and with this vision, the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar campaign has achieved wide success in Chhattisgarh. In thousands of camps held over the past fortnight, lakhs of people underwent screening and treatment, with women’s active participation proving that even in rural areas, health awareness is rising fast. By focusing on women’s health, nutrition, vaccination, and serious disease detection alongside counselling and awareness, this campaign has gone beyond treatment to become a model of social empowerment. In line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s resolve of a TB-free India by 2025, Chhattisgarh’s contribution will play a vital role.”
– Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

*Health Minister praises outreach*

“The Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar campaign has set new benchmarks by taking healthcare services to villages and remote areas. Lakhs of women have received screening and counselling for anaemia, sickle cell, and TB. The state government is committed to ensuring that quality health services reach every family, and this campaign has proven to be a strong step in that direction.”
– Health and Family Welfare Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal