With an aim to promote cleanliness in Nagaland, Swachhata Pakhwada (Cleanliness Fortnight)-2018 was launched at Nagaland Health Authority Kohima (NHAK) on Monday.
Launching the programme, Nagaland Minister for Health & Family Welfare S Pangnyu Phom said cleanliness is important not only for healthy living and spiritual development but also for environmental development.
He said Cleanliness Fortnight is aimed at bringing up new ideas, innovative structures and mechanism.
Phom said cleanliness plays a vital role in preventing many environment and health related diseases. He emphasized that cleanliness should start from the kitchen, the family and the individual. He urged all to maintain personal hygiene in order to defend and keep oneself away from various viruses and infections.
The minister also encouraged doctors and nurses to start cleanliness drive at hospitals, dispensaries and health centres, maintaining that the same will set a good example for the public to live a healthier and cleaner life. He also read out 12 swachhata pledges during the programme.
Nodal Officer, Swachh Bharat & Additional Director, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Dr Tokuhu Chishi, said National Health Mission, Nagaland is celebrating Swachhata Pakhwada for fifteen days from April 1. Through the Swachhata Pakhwada, he said, Nagaland will consider setting up a permanent mechanism under various programmes and schemes to promote cleanliness in the state.