Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: To promote healthy behaviour among adolescents and provide them with a positive direction, the National Health Mission (NHM), Jharkhand, is introducing ‘Umang Diwas’. Starting this month, the initiative will be observed on the first Saturday of every month across all Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in the state.
Focus on Adolescent Well-being
The programme was formally launched during a two-day state-level consultation held at the Lok Swasthya Sansthan in Namkum. Organised in collaboration with the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram and UNICEF, the consultation involved NHM officials, district programme managers, ARSH counsellors, peer educators, and representatives from the education department, JSPLPS, the women and child development department, and development partners. Officials highlighted adolescence as a crucial life stage when guidance is most essential. Posters and guidelines related to Umang Diwas were also released at the event.
Addressing Rising Concerns Among Youth
Dr. Pushpa, state programme officer for the maternity division, said issues like suicidal tendencies, mobile addiction, child marriage, and teenage pregnancy are rising among adolescents and require open dialogue and counselling. Dr. L.R. Pathak from the child health division stressed the importance of regular health screening, while Dr. Lal Manjhi from the IEC division highlighted challenges like stress and obesity. Other experts, including Dr. Kamlesh and Dr. Birendra Kumar Singh, also shared their views.
Role of Community Health Workers
Officials emphasised the role of ASHAs, Anganwadi workers, ANMs, and adolescent educators in supporting the programme. NHM director noted that prevention is better than cure and that healthy lifestyle adoption in adolescence can ensure a disease-free future. The event was coordinated by state programme coordinator Akay Minz, with state coordinator Rafat Farzana presenting key details of the programme through a PPT.
