Healthcare for women and children is set to receive a major push with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to launch a nationwide campaign on September 17, coinciding with his 75th birthday.
The initiative, titled Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan, will see 75,000 health camps organised across the country at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centres (CHCs) and other government facilities. Union Health Minister J P Nadda announced the programme on Monday, calling it a step towards inclusive and accessible healthcare.
“These camps will provide essential services specifically designed to address the healthcare needs of women and children, supporting the government’s vision of inclusive healthcare,” Nadda said in a post on X.
Alongside, Poshan Maah will be observed at Anganwadis nationwide to promote nutrition awareness and preventive care. “Together, these measures aim to build healthier families and empowered communities across the country,” Nadda added, appealing to private hospitals and healthcare stakeholders to join the effort.
He urged broader participation, stressing: “With ‘India First’ as our inspiration, let us strengthen our collective efforts for Viksit Bharat.”
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The campaign reflects the BJP-led government’s continued emphasis on public health as a cornerstone of development. In recent years, flagship schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance programme, and the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan for safe motherhood have expanded access to medical services for millions. The launch of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which provide affordable generic medicines, further highlights the government’s attempt to improve affordability and coverage.
Health experts note that maternal and child health remains a pressing concern. While India has made significant progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality over the last two decades, gaps in nutrition, antenatal care, and awareness persist, particularly in rural areas. The Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan seeks to address these by delivering targeted services directly at the grassroots.
The choice of September 17, Modi’s birthday, also fits the BJP’s tradition of marking the day with public service initiatives. In past years, the party has observed ‘Seva Pakhwada’, encouraging cadres to organise health check-ups, blood donation camps and welfare drives. This year’s campaign, focusing on women and children, comes ahead of a busy political season, with several key state elections and the Lok Sabha polls on the horizon.
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