Synopsis
Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel called for united efforts to address malnutrition and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates during a health conference. Emphasizing community involvement, he urged stakeholders to take responsibility for ensuring health and well-being across the state.Key Takeaways
- Collective action is essential to combat malnutrition.
- Community leaders must ensure no child or woman suffers from malnutrition.
- Discussion of critical health issues can lead to actionable recommendations.
- Collaboration with international organizations is vital for health improvements.
- Recognition of healthcare professionals promotes exemplary service.
Gandhinagar, Jan 31 (NationPress) Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel emphasized the critical need for unified action to combat malnutrition, decrease infant and maternal mortality, and eradicate anaemia.
During a state-level health conference, he urged local leaders and community workers to take a moral stand to ensure that no child or woman in Gujarat suffers from malnutrition, no expectant mother faces preventable complications, and every newborn receives adequate care.
The conference aimed to unite diverse stakeholders to discuss urgent health challenges within the state and propose feasible recommendations for effective resolution. It was organized by the Gujarat State Health System Resource Center, a venture of the state government’s Health and Family Welfare Department.
Minister Patel commended the initiative for establishing a forum where experts from both the private and public sectors, including healthcare professionals, social workers, and policymakers, could engage in discussions about significant issues such as maternal health, malnutrition, anaemia, and non-communicable diseases.
The state government plans to utilize insights gained from the discussions at the conference to develop a results-oriented report and look into the implementation of key recommendations.
At the event, Dhananjay Dwivedi, Principal Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, stated that ensuring the well-being of citizens is not just the task of the healthcare system—it requires active community involvement.
He highlighted that making Gujarat a frontrunner in health indicators demands collaborative efforts from healthcare practitioners, voluntary organizations, policymakers, and international bodies like the WHO, World Bank, UNICEF, and Nutrition International.
The conference included two focused sessions on maternal health, nutrition, adolescent anaemia, and non-communicable diseases.
Experts, representatives from voluntary organizations, and Panchayati Raj officials shared their knowledge and experiences, addressing the social determinants of health and strategies for broader community engagement.
A notable moment during the event was the recognition of 28 healthcare professionals, including Medical Officers, Multipurpose Health Workers, Staff Nurses, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and MT Pilots, who were honored for their outstanding service beyond their regular responsibilities.
