Union Ministry of Health Convenes National Workshop on SSBSK
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) convened a two-day National Workshop on Samagra Shishu Bal Swasthya Karyakram (SSBSK) on August 24–25, 2026, at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra.
The workshop was held under the chairpersonship of Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary & Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), MoHFW, and brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India; representatives of the Government of Maharashtra; State Nodal Officers for Child Health and ASHA programme from all 36 States and Union Territories; technical experts; and development partners.
The workshop focused on translating the SSBSK Operational Guidelines into effective implementation at the State, district, health facility and community levels, with particular emphasis on strengthening the continuum of care for newborns and young children from birth to three years of age.
The inaugural session commenced with the welcome address by Dr. Shobhna Gupta, Deputy Commissioner & In-charge (Child Health & RBSK), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Sanjay Shripatrao Katkar, Commissioner & Mission Director (NHM), Government of Maharashtra, highlighted the importance of strong State leadership and health-system action in advancing newborn and child survival and translating national programme priorities into implementation at the field level.
Development partners also addressed the gathering, including Dr Hemang Shah, Director (CIFF), Health & Nutrition, India; Dr Pushpa Deo Chaudhary, Team Lead (RMNCAH), WHO India; Ms Nande Putta, Chief of Health, UNICEF India; and Mr Arvinn Gadgil, Deputy Ambassador of Norway to India, reaffirming their support for strengthening newborn and child health services and implementation of SSBSK. (UPDATED ON 25TH AUGUST 26)
