Pune – Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) health department has initiated a week-long health awareness drive for the city’s youth as part of the ‘Mera Yuva Bharat campaign.’ Launched on National Youth Day, January 12, the campaign will continue until January 19, 2024. The civic body aims to engage with more than 11 lakh youths during this period, focusing on empowering those aged 15-29 through the Mera Yuva Bharat Program (MY Bharat).
The MY Bharat Program, an independent initiative by the Government of India, seeks to provide essential resources and opportunities for personal and community development to youth in the 15-29 age group.
On the first day of the campaign, hundreds of youngsters attended an awareness program on de-addiction at Kamala Nehru Hospital (KNH) organized by PMC. The week’s activities will include awareness programs and field activities covering de-addiction, tuberculosis, Covid-19, and HIV AIDS at various PMC hospitals, including Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, Sutar Hospital, and Dalvi Hospital.
Dr. Bhagwan Pawar, health officer of PMC, highlighted the multifaceted impact of addiction on individuals and society, expressing the need for motivational and counseling activities to mitigate these effects. Plays focusing on tuberculosis, HIV, and mental health awareness for suicide prevention are also part of the awareness initiatives.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the spread of misinformation, the PMC is conducting campaigns to provide scientific information about the new JN.1 sub-variant of Covid-19. Awareness programs will include plays and activities conducted by students from PMC-run medical colleges at various hospitals.
Additionally, the PMC has appointed 15 Aarogya Mitra at KNH to assist senior citizens, pregnant mothers, and other patients with case papers, healthcare facilities at the outpatient department (OPD), and emergency services. Medical students are also involved in ABHA card registration for patients and citizens visiting PMC hospitals. The campaign includes training sessions on cardiopulmonary resuscitation, an emergency life-saving procedure, at various hospitals.
The comprehensive initiative aims to equip Pune’s youth with knowledge, resources, and support for a healthier and more informed community.
