On September 17, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will mark his birthday by launching the groundbreaking ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan’ (Healthy Woman, Empowered Family Campaign), a nationwide initiative aimed at transforming healthcare access for women and children across India. Described by senior officials as a potential world-record-setting effort, the campaign will feature an unprecedented scale of health camps and activities conducted simultaneously across states. With a focus on improving healthcare quality, accessibility, and awareness, this initiative aligns with the government’s vision of building a healthier and more empowered India.
The ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan’ is designed to address the specific healthcare needs of women and children, who form a critical demographic in India’s journey toward inclusive development. According to government sources, the campaign will involve 75,000 health camps organized at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and other healthcare facilities nationwide. These camps will offer services such as health check-ups, screenings, and awareness programs tailored to maternal and child health, aiming to bridge gaps in healthcare access and promote overall well-being.
The initiative is expected to involve both government and private stakeholders, making it one of the largest health awareness campaigns globally. “The participation of diverse stakeholders will elevate this effort to an unparalleled scale, potentially setting a new world record,” a senior official stated. In BJP-ruled states, including Delhi, the campaign will feature a range of activities, such as blood donation camps at Kartavya Path and the inauguration of new hospital blocks, alongside a 15-day Sewa Pakhwada observed nationwide to promote community health initiatives.
The campaign is a significant step toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, particularly those targeting maternal and child mortality. India has made notable progress in recent years, with the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) dropping from 130 to 93 per lakh live births, the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) decreasing from 26 to 19 per 1,000 live births between 2014 and 2021, and the Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) falling from 45 to 31 per 1,000 live births in the same period. The SDG targets aim to reduce MMR to 70 per lakh live births, NMR to 12, and U5MR to 25 by 2030.
“This campaign will help close the remaining gaps and accelerate our progress toward these targets,” a senior official noted. By focusing on preventive healthcare, early interventions, and awareness, the initiative aims to further reduce mortality rates and improve health outcomes for women and children. The campaign’s emphasis on nutrition, health screenings, and education is expected to empower families and strengthen communities across India.
As part of the campaign, ‘Nutrition Month’ will be celebrated at Anganwadis across the country, focusing on maternal and child health, balanced diets, and malnutrition prevention. Activities will include health check-ups, growth monitoring for children, and educational sessions for mothers to promote healthy eating habits and overall wellness. “Nutrition Month will empower mothers with the knowledge and resources to ensure their families’ health,” a government official explained. These efforts aim to address malnutrition, a persistent challenge in some regions, and promote long-term health benefits.
The campaign’s community-driven approach encourages active participation from citizens and healthcare partners. Union Health Minister JP Nadda has called on private hospitals and organizations to join the effort, emphasizing the spirit of ‘India First.’ In a statement, Nadda said, “I urge all private hospitals and partners associated with the healthcare sector to become an integral part of this public participation campaign. Let us unite to strengthen our collective efforts for a developed India.” This collaborative model is expected to amplify the campaign’s reach and impact, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for public health.
The ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan’ aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s broader vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), where healthcare access and empowerment are central pillars. By prioritizing women’s health, the campaign recognizes their critical role in building stronger families and communities. “Under the leadership of PM Modi, this initiative reflects a commitment to holistic healthcare,” Nadda stated, highlighting its potential to transform lives and drive inclusive growth.
The campaign’s launch on September 17 will mark a significant milestone in India’s healthcare journey, building on existing programs like Ayushman Bharat, which has provided free healthcare to millions. The focus on women and children addresses a critical need, as these groups often face unique health challenges that require targeted interventions. By combining large-scale health camps, nutrition initiatives, and community engagement, the campaign aims to create a lasting impact on public health outcomes.
The Union Health Ministry is finalizing the campaign’s details, with an announcement expected on September 16, 2025, pending clearance from the Prime Minister’s Office. A senior official revealed that the plans were finalized during a meeting on September 14, ensuring a coordinated rollout across states. The campaign’s scale, involving thousands of healthcare facilities and millions of participants, requires meticulous planning to ensure its success.
In Delhi, the campaign will feature high-profile events, such as blood donation drives at Kartavya Path and the inauguration of new hospital infrastructure. The 15-day Sewa Pakhwada will further amplify the campaign’s reach, encouraging citizens to participate in health-related activities and contribute to the vision of a healthier India. Similar efforts will be replicated in other BJP-ruled states, ensuring a unified approach to the campaign’s objectives.
The ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan’ is more than a healthcare campaign; it is a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of women and children. By fostering collaboration between government bodies, private healthcare providers, and communities, the initiative aims to create a sustainable model for public health. The campaign’s focus on education, nutrition, and preventive care reflects a holistic approach to addressing health challenges, ensuring that no one is left behind.
As India moves closer to achieving its SDG targets, this campaign serves as a testament to the government’s commitment to inclusive development. By empowering women and ensuring the health of future generations, the ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan’ is poised to leave a lasting legacy in India’s healthcare landscape, paving the way for a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous nation.
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