FOGSI and UNICEF Expand ‘Aarogya Yog Yatra’ to Odisha, Promoting Women’s Health and Holistic Wellness

Bhubaneswar: After successful editions in Tirupati and Rishikesh, the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), in collaboration with UNICEF, has launched the ‘Aarogya Yog Yatra’ campaign in Odisha. This marks the third event in a nationwide series of thirteen, spearheaded by FOGSI President Dr. Sunita Tandulwadkar.

Deputy Chief Minister Prabhati Parida, who attended the event, praised the initiative, emphasizing the integration of science and spirituality in healthcare. “I would like to thank FOGSI for choosing Odisha as one of the venues for the Aarogya Yog Yatra. I am happy to see the intersectionality of science and spirituality being used to cure diseases. The stress should now also be given to mental health,” she said.

FOGSI, representing over 46,000 obstetricians and gynecologists across India, is dedicated to advancing women’s healthcare by blending modern medical practices with India’s rich spiritual traditions. Addressing the gathering in Bhubaneswar, Dr. Sunita Tandulwadkar highlighted the event’s objectives. “Today, we are conducting a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session with gynecologists, emphasizing spirituality in medicine. We will also release our thematic song Madhyam, which highlights spirituality in medical practice,” she said.

The campaign also includes the Know Your Numbers initiative, which aims to educate women on essential health parameters, including weight, blood pressure, hemoglobin, and blood sugar levels. Eight medical colleges across Odisha—including those in Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Cuttack—are actively participating in this effort. “I sincerely thank the heads of these eight medical colleges for their invaluable support in conducting this vital program,” Dr. Tandulwadkar added.

On March 20, participants will visit the revered Jagannath Temple in Puri for a spiritual experience. Dr. Tandulwadkar also expressed her gratitude to Odisha’s medical leaders, including Dr. P.C. Mahapatra, Dr. Hara Pattnayak, Dr. Janmejaya Mohapatra, Dr. Jayshree Pattnaik, and Dr. Bhagya Lakshmi Nayak, for their efforts in preparing for the Yatra’s arrival in the state.

The Aarogya Yog Yatra promotes holistic wellness through key initiatives such as Sampoorna: Swastha Janma Abhiyan, a pre-conception care program aimed at improving maternal and neonatal outcomes by educating women on optimal health parameters and responsible pregnancy planning.

Dr. Brajesh Merta, Health Officer from UNICEF, was also present at the event, along with national convenors Dr. Jayam Kanan, Dr. Ashwini Kale, and Dr. Palaniappan, along with 20 dedicated FOGSI members.

The campaign will continue its journey across India, with upcoming events including CMEs and public forums advocating holistic healthcare practices, further strengthening the movement’s impact on women’s health nationwide.