New Delhi : The union health ministry will launch a three-day nationwide campaign for ensuring better health for women, it was announced here Thursday.
The launch will coincide with the International Women’s Day on March 8 and the campaign will focus on providing ante-natal and pre-natal services in health facilities.
“Under the initiative, special health check-up camps will be held at district hospitals, sub-district hospitals and community health centres on three days from March 8-10,” union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said.
“These will offer free of charge health check-up to all women, including pregnant women across the country,” he said.
“We are committed to better health of women of the country and this initiative will go a long way in helping us reach this objective,” the minister said.
Nadda said the ministry is organising various activities to mark the International Women’s Day as part of its commitment to women’s health.
The hospitals will screen and carry out necessary investigations, as needed, of all the women who visit during the three days and treatment, if required, shall be provided free of cost.
All women aged 40-60 years will be screened for breast cancer and between 30-60 years for cervical cancer, the minister said.
Nadda said ante-natal and post-natal care services will also be provided and Mother and Child Protection (MCP) cards will be issued to the women.
Identified high-risk pregnant women will be flagged on the MCP cards. If needed, such cases will be referred to higher level health facilities, he added.