IPHA talks of healthy beginnings to hopeful futures

Chandigarh: The local branch of the Indian Public Health Association (IPHA) in collaboration with PGI and the National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE), PGI, observed World Health Day on Monday with an event on the theme ‘Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures'. It brought together health professionals, faculty and students to discuss and deliberate on critical aspects of maternal and child health.
The event commenced with a formal welcome address by Dr Sukhpal Kaur, principal of NINE.
Dr Suman Singh, director health services, Chandigarh, outlined the various govt initiatives currently in place in Chandigarh aimed at bolstering mother and child health.
JS Thakur, vice-president of the IPHA local branch, PGI highlighted the consistent efforts undertaken by the Centre towards achieving the national goals related to maternal and child health, underscoring the importance of collaborative action.
A key highlight of the event was an insightful panel discussion featuring experts from various medical disciplines. Praveen Kumar, head of the department of neonatology, PGI, shed light on crucial strategies for promoting newborn health and effectively preventing neonatal morbidity and mortality. Expanding on women's health, Shalini Gainder from the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, PGI, emphasised key strategies to improve women's long-term health and overall wellbeing.
Manjeet Singh, the district family welfare officer (Chandigarh), provided a practical perspective by highlighting the key initiatives being implemented at the district level to promote maternal and child health in the UT.
The panel discussion was moderated by JS Thakur, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging exchange of ideas.