Focus on expecting mothers, newborns, says President
KANPUR : President Ram Nath Kovind stressed upon the need of good health of expecting mothers and newborns as they were backbones of a strong nation.
“Giving opportunities to women is our social responsibility and health is foremost important for achieving this goal,” he said while addressing a seminar on ‘women health, wellness and empowerment’ jointly organised by the Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society of India (FOGSI) and Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society Kanpur at the GSVM Medical College on Saturday.
Speaking about the women welfare schemes launched by the government he said 85 lakh expectant mothers and 3.25 crore children have been provided immunization cover under mission Indradhanush and neonatal tetanus has been eliminated from the country.
He said under Ayushman Bharat health insurance programme, dubbed as the world’s largest healthcare of citizens, had the potential to help over 10 crore families and 50 crore fellow citizens.
As part of Ayushman Bharat 1.5 lakh health and wellness centres were being opened in the country which would provide services to, among others, mothers and newborns, the President said.
He said: “It is reality that girl child faces more restrictions in the society in comparison to boys. In spite of this girls and young women are surging ahead in many areas with determination and skills which is a welcome trend and must be encouraged.” He further said, “When we give our daughters and young girls in our families the freedom to venture out to explore and find their potential they soar higher and higher.”
The president also dwelt upon other schemes like Ujjwla Yojana, Jan Aushadhi Kendra, Mission Indra Dhanush scheme which were introduced for the welfare of the citizens.
Speaking on the occasion, Union minister for science and technology Dr Harsh Vardhan also spoke about the various schemes of the government for welfare of women and others.
Later the President also addressed a seminar on ‘shiksha mein sanskar’ (moral values in education) organized by the talent development council at Chandra shekhar Azad university of Agricultural and Technology (CSA).
The President said value added education was important for nation building.
The President later left for Narval town where he unveiled the statue of great freedom fighter, poet and the writer of famous song ‘Jhanda Uncha Rahe Hamata, Vijyee Vishwa Tiranga Pyara’ -Shyamlal Gupt ‘Parshad’. He also dedicated a library and a gate named after Parshad. The president being native of Kanpur has very cordial connect with the people here. He said all his tensions go away with the idea of coming here. During the visit he met more than 28 people from different walks of life.