Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 19 March 2024
In a concerted effort to enhance adolescent health services, a comprehensive five-day training session was conducted from March 12 to 16, 2024, at the Conference Hall of AYUSH Hospital. The program, organized under the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), aimed at broadening the horizons of adolescent health initiatives, transcending beyond sexual and reproductive health to encompass various crucial aspects such as nutrition, injuries and violence (including gender-based violence), non-communicable diseases, mental health, and substance misuse.
The training garnered participation from 29 Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) from diverse health institutions, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills to cater to the multifaceted needs of adolescents. Dr. Suja Antony, Director of Health Services, Dr. Avijit Roy, Joint Secretary (RCH-II), Dr. Ajit Kumar, Deputy Director (Malaria), and Dr. Kalyan, Deputy Director (AYUSH), graced the occasion, emphasising the significance of adolescent health in the broader spectrum of public health.
Distinguished medical professionals served as resource persons during the training, enriching the sessions with their expertise. Dr. Shafique, MO (Homoeo), Dr. Suryakant Singh, MO (Ayurveda), and Dr. S Sunil Kumar, Deputy Director (HE/HIC), facilitated discussions and shared insights to enhance the participants’ understanding of adolescent health dynamics.
The initiative underscored a holistic approach towards adolescent well-being, recognizing the intricate interplay of various factors influencing their health outcomes. By expanding the scope of adolescent health services, stakeholders aim to address the diverse needs of this demographic group comprehensively.
Such endeavors align with the broader national health agenda, emphasizing the importance of preventive and promotive healthcare interventions to ensure the holistic development of adolescents, who represent the future of the nation. As the training concluded, participants expressed their commitment to implementing the acquired knowledge in their respective domains, fostering a healthier and empowered adolescent population.