Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh): Khandwa district has been honoured with Rs 3 crore award from NITI Aayog for its exceptional progress in health and nutrition under the Aspirational District Programme.
The recognition comes after significant improvements in maternal and child healthcare services through coordinated efforts between the administration, health department and frontline workers.
Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla called the achievement "a matter of pride for the entire state" and credited the success to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's leadership in improving state-wide health services. He said that Khandwa's accomplishment would inspire other districts across the state.
Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr OP Jugtawat gave information about district's strategic approach which included modernising primary and community health centres and expanding outreach services to remote areas. Frontline health workers also received continuous training to enhance their effectiveness.
The district established new delivery centres to promote safe childbirth and equipped sub-health centres with delivery facilities. Administration also implemented systems to identify high-risk pregnancies early. As many as 25 health institutions were upgraded under 'Lakshya' and National Quality Assurance Standards programmes for improving quality service.
Comprehensive child health initiatives included "Mission Indradhanush" to vaccinate previously overlooked children and targeted programmes to address malnutrition through supplementary nutrition schemes and awareness campaigns at Anganwadi centres.
Moreover, rural healthcare accessibility improved with 177 sub-health centres transformed into functional 'Ayushman Arogya Mandir' facilities.
The district also exceeded targets in tuberculosis identification and treatment while launching comprehensive blood pressure and diabetes screening programmes.
Khandwa collector Rishav Gupta said that the award money will fund further developments in health, education and nutrition to accelerate the district's progress.
