Puducherry:Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan announced on Thursday thatPuducherryhas become the first Union Territory in India to achieve zeromaternal deathsduring childbirth for the year 2024–25. This achievement has earned Puducherry the Platinum Certificate from the Union government for delivering high-quality maternity services. The announcement was made at the inauguration of the Mega Women’s Health Festival – Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan, held at Kamban Kalai Arangam and organised by the Department of Health and Family Welfare. Speaking at the event, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted that the Health Department had successfully screened and treated nearly 62,000 young women for anaemia. He commended Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, along with medical officers, nurses, ASHA workers, and Anganwadi staff, for their dedicated efforts in achieving this milestone. Also Read:Women With Pre-Pregnancy Chronic Conditions Face Greater Risk of Severe Maternal Complications: Study Shows The Lt Governor pointed out that the event’s significance was amplified as it coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. He remarked that the prime minister has consistently prioritised women’s health and empowerment as a cornerstone of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, in his address, outlined several progressive initiatives that have contributed to the empowerment and well-being of women in Puducherry. These include a Rs 50,000 insurance scheme for girl children at birth, a 50% reduction in stamp duty for property registration in women’s names, neighbourhood access to healthcare through an extensive network of Primary Health Centres, and educational assistance schemes. “Today, girl students are pursuing higher education instead of dropping out, and over 50% of women are securing government jobs. Empowering women aligns with the prime minister’s vision, as it strengthens families, society, and the nation,” he said, reports TNIE. Also Read:75,000 new doctors in next five years, 10000 this year: Minister JP Nadda As part of the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan, the Lt. Governor virtually inaugurated a health mela at the Community Health Centre in Karikalampakkam. The festival will see health camps organised across all PHCs in Puducherry till October 2. Additionally, nutrition kits were distributed to five pregnant women and five women affected by tuberculosis.