SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Dec 28: The ambitious mission of making women anaemia free ‘Nari Swasthya Janandolan Yatra’ reached Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College Hospital (SNMMCH) today and discussed with authorities for awareness of women about the disease.
The Yatra which started from Uttrakhand on November 29 would visit five states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal and cover 20 cities.
National president of the Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Societies of India (FOGSI) Dr Hriskesh Pai who is heading the Yatra from Uttrakhand told media persons that the situation of anaemia cases and its trends in the country is serious.
The aim of this Yatra is to bring holistic health awareness among women.
“In fact, mitigating anaemia in the country needs a multi-level approach that includes mass awareness, behavioural change, communication and changing societal norms related to women’s nutrition and health need,” he said.
After taking stock of programmes being run in SNMMCH Dhanbad, Dr Pai appreciated highly but suggested more steps for bailing out the victims.
A seminar on ‘National Anemia Ride’ was also organised at SNMMCH by the district chapter of FOGSI on the occasion.
SNMMCH superintendent Dr AK Barnbal while inaugurating the seminar informed about the steps being taken for eradication of anaemia among women and stressed the need for continuous awareness.
“It is a matter of concern that despite alertness, women in the state still become victims of anaemia. We hold camp in the hospital from time to time but that is not enough. We have to check it at any cost and it could be possible only through launching comprehensive awareness among women about it,” said Dr Barnbal.
Eminent gynaecologist and former head of the gynaecology department Dr Pratibha Rai pointed out that in Jharkhand, 76 per cent of women are anaemic, which is the most serious and challenging.
“No doubt camps are being organised by concerning organisations regularly for checking blood level of women and proper suggestions are being given but there is a need for constant awareness drive among them,” she said.
