Did UP organize 20,324 health camps while promising smartphones and salary hikes for Anganwadi workers?

Lucknow, Sep 17 (NationPress) In tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 75th birthday, Uttar Pradesh launched a monumental health initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scientific Convention Centre, KGMU.

During the event, CM Yogi unveiled plans to provide smartphones and a salary increase for Anganwadi workers, while simultaneously initiating health camps in all 75 districts of UP, with a focus on women and children.

The Chief Minister also conducted an 'Annaprashan' ceremony for infants and handed out nutritional supplements during a baby shower event for expectant mothers. He reaffirmed his commitment to equipping Anganwadi workers with smartphones and enhancing their honorarium.

A remarkable total of 20,324 health camps have been set up across the state, offering complimentary testing for blood, blood pressure, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and tuberculosis. Additionally, around 507 blood donation camps were organized to motivate youth involvement in this initiative.

CM Yogi commended the health department's efforts, expressing hope that this 15-day campaign would extend free medical services to thousands. These medical camps are connected with Aarogya Mandirs, community health centres, and medical colleges.

He highlighted that under PM Modi’s guidance, significant initiatives such as Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Matru Vandana, Kanya Sumangala, and Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam have been embraced by “New India.”

Significantly, the UP government supports free education for girls, a Rs 25,000 package under the Kanya Sumangala Yojana, and Rs 1 lakh assistance for each daughter's marriage through the Mass Marriage scheme. With 1.89 lakh Anganwadi centres and 10 lakh self-help groups, around 1 crore women have achieved self-sufficiency.

In discussing health sector advancements, CM Yogi stated, “Uttar Pradesh has seen the establishment of 41 new medical colleges in the past eight years. The infant mortality rate has decreased from 45 to 37, while the maternal mortality rate stands at 141.”

He indicated that these statistics illustrate UP's positive trajectory. From 2015-16 to 2019-21, there was a 5.1 percent reduction in anaemia levels. Improvements in maternal and infant mortality rates, alongside reductions in anaemia, stunting, underweight, and wasting, reflect consistent progress.

CM Yogi noted the eradication of encephalitis, which had claimed 50,000 children's lives over four decades. Ongoing efforts aim to eliminate malaria, dengue, kala-azar, and tuberculosis.

A Poshan Mission was launched targeting children aged 3-6 years. He also acknowledged the contributions of blood donors with 224 donations and Ni-kshay Mitras.

The Chief Minister praised the impactful role of women's self-help groups in both rural and urban settings. He emphasized that 10 lakh rural and 1 lakh urban groups have empowered 1 crore women to become atmanirbhar.

He commended community initiatives such as blood donation drives and the distribution of nutrition kits.