Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Inaugurates Special Health Screening Drive Under National Child Health Program In Pune  

“Let’s Ensure a Healthy and Strong Future for Every Child” – Ajit Pawar 

Pune, March 1: The Maharashtra government is committed to ensuring the health and bright future of every child. With this objective, a special health screening drive under the National Child Health Program has been launched, and efforts should be made to guarantee a strong and healthy life for all children, said Deputy Chief Minister and Pune Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar.  

He was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the special screening drive and state-level convention held at Indira Gandhi Model School, Aundh. The event was attended by Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar, Pune Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, CEO of the District Council Gajanan Patil, Director of Health Services Dr. Nitin Ambadekar, Director of Urban Health Services Dr. Swapnil Lale, Additional Director Dr. Babita Kamalapurkar, and other officials. School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse also addressed the gathering via video conference.  

Ajit Pawar stated that through coordination between the Public Health Department, Integrated Child Development Services, Education Department, Tribal Department, and Urban Development Department, a comprehensive health screening program will be conducted for children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years across the state. Under this initiative, 14 lakh students from 6,000 schools and 20 lakh children from 30,000 Anganwadis will undergo medical check-ups from head to toe, providing crucial insights into their health conditions. In the first phase, physical and mental health disorders will be diagnosed early, ensuring timely and free treatment for affected children. Ajit Pawar lauded the Public Health Department for this initiative and extended his best wishes for its success.  

He further emphasized that children’s health is not just a family concern but is critical for society and the nation’s future. He stressed the need for strong, healthy children who can excel in academics and grow into responsible citizens. Many children suffer from malnutrition, anemia, eye and dental issues, heart disease, leprosy, and other conditions, which can affect their overall well-being. Through this program, affected children will receive specialized treatment and surgeries at government hospitals and empaneled hospitals under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, ensuring maximum benefits for those in need.  

The government is also focused on expanding cancer prevention initiatives for women. Recognizing the rising incidence of cancer, Ajit Pawar announced that the state government is considering the introduction of a vaccine as a preventive measure, with a decision expected soon.  

### State Education Minister Assures Full Cooperation for the Program  

Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse emphasized that after identifying illnesses in children aged 0 to 18 years, free treatment should be provided. He suggested that super-specialty hospitals be included in the scheme to treat critical illnesses. He also proposed setting up a dedicated unit to ensure timely treatment for students, with the Education Department taking necessary precautions to prevent any child from being left untreated. He called for close collaboration between the Education and Public Health Departments to make this campaign a success.  

### “Let’s Work Towards a Healthier Future Generation” – Health Minister Prakash Abitkar  

Health Minister Prakash Abitkar highlighted that the Public Health Department is implementing various health programs for citizens and ensuring that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. He mentioned that around two crore women in Maharashtra have undergone health screenings and received necessary treatments. Under the 100-day special health campaign, nearly two crore children are also being screened.  

As part of this initiative, Primary Health Centers, Rural Hospitals, and Sub-District Hospitals are being inaugurated to expand healthcare services for citizens. The special screening drive under the National Child Health Program is designed to ensure early diagnosis and treatment for children, guaranteeing them a healthy and secure future. He urged school principals, teachers, parents, and health teams to meticulously plan and execute the campaign with transparency and efficiency. He stressed that this initiative would help build a healthier future generation.  

During the event, Ajit Pawar unveiled awareness posters, campaign logos, and flipbooks related to the National Child Health Program and the Anemia-Free India Mission.  

The program’s introduction was presented by Dr. Nitin Ambadekar, while Dr. Babita Kamalapurkar delivered the vote of thanks.