FOGSI Expands ‘Aarogya Yog Yatra’ to Odisha in Collaboration with UNICEF
By Nalini Sahu
Bhubaneswar, March 20: Following its success in Tirupati and Rishikesh, the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) has launched the third leg of its ‘Aarogya Yog Yatra’ campaign in Odisha, in partnership with UNICEF. This year-long initiative, led by FOGSI President Dr. Sunita Tandulwadkar, aims to integrate spirituality with modern medicine across 13 cities in India.
Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister, Pravati Parida, attended the event and praised the initiative for combining science and spirituality to improve health outcomes, especially in mental health.
Dr. Tandulwadkar highlighted the campaign’s focus on holistic healthcare, stating, “Today, we are conducting a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session with gynecologists, emphasizing the role of spirituality in medical practice.” A thematic song, Madhyam was released to reinforce this message. Eight medical colleges from Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, and other districts are actively participating in the ‘Know Your Numbers’ initiative, which educates women about key health indicators like weight, blood pressure, hemoglobin, and blood sugar levels through screenings and health awareness drives.
Another significant component of the campaign is Sampoorna: Swastha Janma Abhiyan, a pre-conception care program designed to promote responsible pregnancy planning and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Dr. Tandulwadkar expressed gratitude to Odisha’s medical leaders, including Dr. P.C. Mahapatra, Dr. Hara Pattnayak, Dr. Janmejaya Mohapatra, Dr. Jayshree Pattnaik, and Dr. Bhagya Lakshmi Nayak, for their dedicated efforts in organizing the event. She also acknowledged the presence of Dr. Brajesh Merta, Health Officer from UNICEF, and the valuable support of National Convenors Dr. Jayam Kanan, Dr. Ashwini Kale, and Dr. Palaniappan, alongside 20 FOGSI members.
The campaign includes CME sessions and public forums advocating holistic health practices, with the next events set to build on the momentum created at Tirupati and Rishikesh. The initiative reflects FOGSI’s ongoing commitment to improving women’s health by blending traditional wisdom with modern medical practices.
