Nationwide Push for Women’s Health and Child Nutrition Begins on PM Modi’s Birthday

Chandigarh, September 17 – On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, women across the nation received a significant gift focused on health and nutrition. From Madhya Pradesh, the Prime Minister launched the nationwide “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar” (Healthy Women, Empowered Family) campaign along with the 8th edition of Poshan Maah.

In Haryana, the initiative was formally inaugurated at a state-level event in Rohtak by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The Prime Minister’s address from Madhya Pradesh was broadcast live during the ceremony. Officials described the campaign as a historic step to strengthen healthcare and nutrition services for women, adolescents, and children.

The 8th Poshan Maah aims to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, adolescent girls, and children under six. As part of the event, Minister Nadda and Chief Minister Saini launched women’s health check-up camps, the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan–IV, and a special immunization week. Minister Nadda also initiated Poshan Maah by feeding a child nutritious food.

In recognition of progress in improving gender balance, sarpanchs from villages in Rohtak with higher female birth rates than male were honored. Among them were Renu from Samchana, Saroj from Khrawad, and Kajal from Bhaini Surjan. The event also saw the distribution of Vayavandan cards to senior citizens above 70 and Ayushman health cards to beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Cancer survivors, celebrated as “cancer champions,” were also felicitated.

Union Health Minister Nadda and Chief Minister Saini administered a pledge to attendees on organ donation and adopting balanced diets. The event was also attended by Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, Health Minister Kumari Aarti Singh Rao, Women and Child Development Minister Shruti Chaudhary, BJP State President Mohan Lal Badoli, former minister Manish Grover, and other dignitaries.