JAMMU, Jul 11: The Rotary Club of Jammu Bahu, in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services Jammu (DHSJ) and the National Health Mission (NHM), Jammu & Kashmir, observed World Population Day across three major government healthcare institutions—Government Hospital Gandhinagar, Government Hospital Sarwal and Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh (SMGS) Hospital.
The programme was organised on the theme, “Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future,” with the objective of promoting awareness about reproductive health, family planning, maternal care and informed healthcare choices.
At Government Hospital, Gandhinagar, the programme was conducted under the guidance of Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr. Sanjay Arora. Doctors Dr. Neelu and Dr. Amandeep Kaur addressed patients and attendants on the importance of birth spacing, maternal nutrition and family planning services available under the National Health Mission. ASHA workers and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) also participated in counselling sessions.
At Government Hospital, Sarwal, Medical Superintendent Dr. Monika Kotwal, along with senior gynaecologist Dr. Naresh Chandra Sharma and his team, conducted awareness sessions on contraceptive methods, healthy spacing between pregnancies and various maternal health services available in government hospitals.
Rotary Club of Jammu Bahu President Dr. Navneet Kaur interacted with pregnant women, new mothers and healthcare staff, highlighting the importance of institutional deliveries, immunisation and maternal healthcare.
A larger awareness programme was also organised at the newly established 200-plus bedded Maternal and Child Care (MCC) facility at SMGS Hospital, where rural women were educated about safe motherhood and family welfare. Rotary representatives Dr. Navneet Kaur and Dr. Monika Suri reiterated the club’s commitment to supporting public health initiatives.
Dr. Navneet Kaur also highlighted government schemes including Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and the LaQshya quality certification programme for improving maternity care.
Speaking on the occasion, a Rotary Club representative said, “World Population Day is not about numbers—it is about the health and well-being of every mother and child. Through this collaboration with DHSJ and NHM, we aim to empower women with knowledge that can transform their families.”
The programme concluded with the distribution of awareness pamphlets on family planning and nutritional supplements, followed by a pledge to promote healthier families and communities.