In an era where equality and empowerment are at the forefront of global conversations, a pioneering healthcare centre in Delhi stands as a beacon of progress. In celebration of International Women’s Day, Sanjana Sanghi, a luminous ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and acclaimed actor, took an illuminating visit to this unique medical facility in the heart of Nangloi. Home to an all-female staff, this healthcare haven is dedicated to providing essential prenatal care to some of the city’s most disadvantaged populations.
On her mission, Sanghi, a reputed voice for youth advocacy who joined UNDP India’s ranks last year, connected with the tireless Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) who are the lifeblood of this centre. These diligent women are not just diploma holders in medical practice but have also mastered the CoWin and Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) digital platforms, tools that prove crucial in managing vaccination schedules for their patients throughout Delhi. Their dedication shapes a new era of healthcare, driven by technology and compassion, with free vaccines and consultations for those most in need.
The commitment of these healthcare workers has brought significant changes. Earlier, the treacherous journey to provide vaccinations to the needy was shouldered by staff walking miles. However, the introduction and successful application of eVIN has reshaped their operational effectiveness. With a touch of modernity, they can now ensure that even the furthest and otherwise unreachable patients view vaccination as not just a necessity but a mandatory aspect of prenatal care.
Sanghi’s visit shone a light on an undeniable challenge that continues to shadow such efforts: infrastructure. The disparity between potential and provision is glaring. Yet, hope is found in the solidarity and support the women provide for one another. This sisterhood extends from tracking health statuses to enhancing awareness of menstrual health – a topic once shrouded in taboo is now discussed openly. Cancer screenings among these women have seen a notable uptick thanks not only to advanced medicine but also to the culture of care cultivated within the walls of the centre, where women encourage and protect one another.
The impact of such a healthcare approach is exponential. When women are equipped with education and health resources, they gain the ability to transform their lives and their communities. Sanghi, reflecting on her visit and interactions, sees this firsthand. The strides made in women’s health are impressive, yet they signal just the beginning of what can be achieved. The health statuses being meticulously tracked are more than just data points – they are glimpses into individual lives being uplifted through dedicated care.
This healthcare centre stands as a microcosm of what is possible when women are given the tools to succeed – not just for themselves but for the society that surrounds them. The tireless work of these ANMs, buoyed by digital innovation, the leadership of women in every role within the facility, and the network of care that extends beyond its walls, offers a powerful narrative of transformation, one that resonates with the core values of Women’s Day.
The convergence of healthcare, technology, and female empowerment at this centre in Delhi isn’t just a temporary celebration marked by a calendar event. Rather, it’s a testament to the ongoing efforts of the UNDP, local healthcare professionals, and ambassadors like Sanjana Sanghi, who are intent on seeing change materialize—one woman, one vaccination, one community at a time. The journey might be marked with obstacles, but the destination of a healthier, more equitable world beckons with undeniable allure.
