Bhopal, March 23 Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla said on Monday that the state government is undertaking special initiatives to ensure the health and well-being of women at every stage of their lives, from adolescence to motherhood.
Deputy Chief Minister Shukla, who is in charge of the health and medical education departments in the state, made this statement while addressing a gathering of women during the inauguration of the 'Shakti Kendra' – a comprehensive women's health center at the Kailash Nath Katju hospital in Bhopal.
He conducted a thorough inspection of the 'Shakti Kendra' and interacted with specialist physicians to gather feedback on the quality of the health services being provided.
He described the 'Shakti Kendra' as an innovative and crucial initiative aimed at making women more aware, healthy, and empowered.
He noted that by providing comprehensive, modern, and accessible healthcare services under one roof, the center would play a vital role in enhancing their quality of life.
Deputy Chief Minister Shukla emphasized that a healthy woman is the foundation of a healthy family and an empowered society.
He also noted the continuous increase in the number of medical colleges and available seats, a trend that promises to further strengthen healthcare services in the future.
He also said that through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened the doors for healthcare services to the poor, the underprivileged, and vulnerable sections of society, ensuring that financial constraints no longer pose a barrier to receiving medical treatment.
On this occasion, Health and State Nodal Officer Director, Rachna Dubey, said that the 'Shakti Kendra', an acronym for spreading health awareness through technology and innovation, has been developed as a holistic healthcare solution for women, with equal emphasis placed on both physical and mental well-being.
She noted that women often neglect their health issues, particularly among adolescent girls, due to a lack of awareness and hesitation, which frequently leads to various gynecological conditions going undetected in a timely manner.
"The 'Shakti Kendra' places a special focus on the early detection and prevention of cancer, offering facilities such as breast cancer screening, breast self-examination, thermography, and cervical cancer screening," she said.
Dubey shared that to address rapidly rising health issues such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances among women, the Shakti Kendra provides advanced diagnostic facilities, ultrasound services, treatment for irregular menstruation, weight management programmes, nutritional counselling, yoga, and lifestyle consultation.