The 'Poshan Maah' initiative that has kickstarted today as part of the 'Poshan Abhiyan' would be observed throughout Punjab during the month of September and it's primary aim would be to ensure the adequate nutritional diet to the pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls and children.Disclosing this here today in a press communique on the occasion of the commencement of Poshan Maah initiative across the State, the Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Mrs. Aruna Chaudhary said that it is a matter of great satisfaction that all the respective District Administrations have started the observance of Poshan Maah with a missionary zeal while holding various events such as 'Suposhan Godhbaharai' of Pregnant ladies with Fruits and Vegetables, Annaprashan (An infant's first intake of food other than milk), Organizing lectures on significance of Health and Nutrition Education, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) camp, Poshan Rally, Distribution of IFA tablets, Signature compaign and Pledge at Block Level. The special feature of today's events was a PPT presentation by DPO regarding 'Awareness and sensitization of Poshan Abhiyaan including Poshan Maah' in Amritsar besides an exhibition regarding Nutrition and Health education(Nutritious recipes etc.) which was appreciated by the MP Amritsar Mr. Gurjeet Singh Aujla and MLA Amritsar North Mr. Sunil Datti and other District Heads of line Departments at the Exhibition.
Emphasizing the transforming this unique initiative into a Mass Movement, the minister said that a vigorous campaign would have to be undertaken at the grassroots level i.e. State, District, Block and Villages to raise awareness regarding the importance of health and nutritional diet.Throwing light on the action plan of the State Government, Mrs. Chaudhary said that the coordination between various departments would be ensured to make ‘POSHAN Maah’ a resounding success. Elaborating more, the minister said that special health check-up camps for pregnant women would be held at the anganwadi centres to promote the effective delivery of health and nutrition services.Stressing the importance of electronic media, print media, social media, community radio, and ‘Nukkar Nataks’, the minister added that these mediums would come in handy in carrying forward the mission of the State Government to make the slogan of ‘Nutritional Diet’ echo in every nook and corner of the State.Mrs. Chaudhary also disclosed that debates, and panel discussions on the subject of health and nutrition would be held in the educational institutions of Punjab besides in all villages with the active involvement of Self-Help Groups, Agriculture Cooperatives, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), Auxiliary Nurses & Midwives (ANM) and Anganwadi Workers (AWW).