Hemmaragala in Nanjangud on way to ‘Model Wellness Village
Healthcare leader Dr. Hema Divakar and Nanjangud MLA Harshavardhan join hands to strengthen awareness, access, and affordability to “Prevent Illness & Promote Wellness”
NANJANGUD, Mysuru District / 06.08.2021
In an emulative effort that heralds a significant collaboration between experts and elected representatives, renowned healthcare leader Dr. Hema Divakar and Nanjangud MLA B Sri Harshavardhan (BJP) have joined hands to transform Hemmaragala into a ‘Model Wellness Village’ by strengthening awareness, access, and affordability of healthcare to women in the village.
The first-of-its-kind collaborative approach was launched on August 6th in Hemmaragala with a ‘Women’s Health Camp’, attended by some of the top medical experts from Karnataka. Thanking Dr. Hema Divakar, CEO of ARTIST for Her, Sri Harshavardhan exhorted the need for such partnerships to foster wellness in rural parts of Karnataka.
“It is our endeavor to make Hemmaragala a model wellness village for the rest of Karnataka. Over time, we intend to extend this partnership to other villages in this taluk. I am extremely happy as well as grateful to Dr. Hema Divakar, who has come forward to drive this initiative in Hemmaragala. Our rural womenfolk, especially teenage girls, will immensely benefit from this partnership,” Sri Harshavardhan said.
Dr. Hema observed there was a dire need to create awareness, improve accessibility and ensure affordability of healthcare for rural women/girls, “Our mantra is – prevent illness and promote wellness. We will be covering the entire journey of a woman from teenage to adolescence to motherhood to post-menopausal condition in a systematic manner to ensure that they are aware of the potential healthcare issues, do not hesitate to seek remedy, and provide the right care.”
“We are happy to be part of such a wonderful partnership in strengthening the ‘Model Wellness Village’ initiative. Women/girls of the village will have access to ‘Janani Helpline’ set up by Stepone and IHW Council to seek healthcare-related counseling in four different languages through a network of obstetricians and gynaecologists from across India,” remarked Dr. A Sonia Mandappa, Chair of Safe Motherhood Committee, Karnataka State Obstetrics and Gynaecology Association (KSOGA).
Dr. Hema added, “Non communicable diseases (anemia, hypertension, diabetes), malnutrition, use of contraception, the role of vaccines, pregnancy-related problems, PCOS, and many more need a systematic approach in the villages. Unfortunately, there is a trust deficit between women and healthcare professionals. We aim to bridge this gap by consistent evidence based approaches. "
Hemmaragala will also benefit from ‘SHAPATH’ initiative rolled out recently to make universal healthcare inclusive for women to usher in a healthy new generation for a healthy India. “Transforming Hemmaragala into a Model Wellness Village is a step towards achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal of Good Health for All as a part of our resolve and determination, under SHAPATH 1000 days initiative,” pointed out Dr. Hema.
To mark the occasion, Divakars Service Trust, ARTIST for Her (Asian Research and Training Institute for Skill Transfer), IHW Council, Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA), Stepone, and Emcure launched several campaigns, such as World Breastfeeding Week, and vaccinated more than 100 women, including pregnant women, against Covid-19.