New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 75th birthday today with a historic announcement aimed at women, adolescents, and children across India. Modi launched the ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’, a mega health and nutrition campaign that will run nationwide from September 17 to October 2, making it the biggest-ever programme for women and child health in the country.
The campaign, jointly conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Child Development, will see over one lakh health camps set up in government health institutions every day during the two-week period. These camps will provide specialized care, including gynecologists for women, pediatricians for children, dentists, vaccination drives, and anemia screenings for adolescent girls. Mental health support will also be part of the initiative.
Adding to the significance of the launch, Modi also distributed cash benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) to over 10 lakh beneficiaries today, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting pregnant and lactating women. A special nationwide drive for PMMVY registrations will also be held alongside the campaign.
This year’s campaign will be linked to the 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah, focusing on reducing obesity through lower sugar and oil consumption, improving early childhood care, promoting infant and young child feeding practices, encouraging men’s involvement in women’s nutrition, and boosting local diets and food systems.
Officials described the initiative as a holistic attempt to unite health, nutrition, and maternity benefits under one umbrella, with the clear message that “women’s health is the foundation of strong families and a stronger nation.”
