GDCH, Mumbai: Swastha Nari, Swastha Parivar Campaign – Empowering Women Through Oral Health

GDCH, Mumbai: Swastha Nari, Swastha Parivar Campaign – Empowering Women Through Oral Health

Under the Swastha Nari, Swastha Parivar Abhiyan, aligned with the global theme “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life” by the FDI World Dental Federation, the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai, implemented a large-scale, inclusive oral health campaign.

The initiative emphasized that empowered women are central to healthier families and communities, and focused on integrating oral health into women’s overall well-being and preventive healthcare.

The campaign incorporated a comprehensive approach, including:

• Community outreach 
• Preventive and promotive services 
• Early diagnosis and timely intervention 
• Capacity building among healthcare and community stakeholders 

A total of 18 outreach camps were conducted, reaching 2625 beneficiaries, including children, women, healthcare workers, and underserved populations.

Campaign Duration

• Start Date: 17th September 2025 
• End Date: 2nd October 2025 

A 15-day intensive outreach programme was carried out across urban, semi-urban, and rural settings.

Objectives

• To promote the message “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life” 
• To improve oral health awareness and hygiene practices 
• To provide screening and facilitate early diagnosis 
• To ensure access to preventive and basic curative care 
• To reach vulnerable and underserved populations 
• To integrate oral health with general and maternal health 

Target Population

The campaign adopted a life-course and equity-based approach, covering:

• School children (urban and rural) 
• Pregnant and lactating women 
• Women in the workforce 
• Police personnel 
• Healthcare workers (nursing staff) 
• Housekeeping and support staff 
• Underserved tribal and residential school populations 

Camp-wise Outreach and Activities

1. K. Ulsharao Boir Prathamik Ashram Shala, Palghar
Date: 18 September 2025
Target Group: Residential school children (underserved)
Activities: Oral health screening and counselling

2. Ashram School, Murbad
Date: 19 September 2025
Target Group: Tribal school children
Activities: Screening, oral health education, and tooth brushing demonstration

3. Cama and Albless Hospital, Mumbai
Dates: 20–30 September 2025
Target Group: Pregnant and lactating women
Total Beneficiaries: 387
Activities: Screening, counselling, and demonstrations

4. SMART Cleaning Services, GDCH Mumbai
Dates: 17–30 September 2025
Target Group: Housekeeping staff (predominantly women)
Activities: Oral health promotion, screening, and basic treatment

5. Vatsalya Prathamik Ashram Shala, Palghar
Date: 25 September 2025
Target Group: Children in remote areas
Activities: Screening and oral health education

6. Marol Police Camp and Training School, Andheri East
Date: 26 September 2025
Target Group: Women police personnel
Activities: Screening and awareness

7. Powai Marathi Madhyamik Shala
Date: 26 September 2025
Target Group: School children
Activities: Preventive education and screening

8. Nadkarni Park Municipal School, Wadala
Dates: 29–30 September 2025
Target Group: Municipal school children
Activities: Screening and oral health education

9. Nursing Staff – St. George Hospital, Mumbai
Date: 1 October 2025
Target Group: Nursing staff
Activities: Screening and capacity building

10. TNC School, Kalwa
Date: 1 October 2025
Target Group: School children
Activities: Screening, oral health education, and brushing demonstration

Key Impact under the “Swastha Nari” Theme

Aligned with the World Oral Health Day theme, the campaign achieved the following:

• Integration of oral health into maternal and reproductive healthcare 
• Empowerment of working-class women and frontline personnel 
• Promotion of preventive health behaviours among women caregivers 
• Reinforcement of the public health principle:
  “Healthy Women → Healthy Families → Healthy Communities” 

Conclusion

The Swastha Nari, Swastha Parivar campaign successfully aligned with the global message “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life”, translating awareness into meaningful action through a strong focus on women-led health empowerment.

The initiative demonstrated that improving women’s oral health has a cascading positive impact on families and communities, thereby contributing significantly to community health and well-being.