Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 21 April 2025
The Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at addressing the health and development needs of adolescents, is being actively implemented across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As part of the Ayushman Bharat Programme, the School Health and Wellness Programme is making significant strides in promoting preventive healthcare among schoolchildren.
In a concerted effort led by the Directorate of Health Services in collaboration with the Department of Education, school health promotion activities have been rolled out across Middle, Secondary, and Senior Secondary Government Schools in all three districts of the Islands. A total of 121 schools have been covered under the initiative, with 1,125 students trained as School Health and Wellness Messengers. These students play a vital role in disseminating key health messages and encouraging their peers to adopt healthier lifestyles.
To recognise and motivate these student ambassadors, an interdepartmental meeting was held on April 17, 2025, under the chairmanship of the Secretary (Health). During the meeting, customized T-shirts were presented to the School Health & Wellness Messengers as a token of appreciation. The event was graced by the Director of Health Services, Deputy Directors from the Health and Education departments, Program Coordinator (SHWP), Joint Secretaries (Health), the State Finance Manager, and the District Programme Manager.
Officials emphasized the importance of interdepartmental collaboration in ensuring the success of the programme and reiterated their commitment to strengthening adolescent health initiatives in the Islands.