Lt Gen Sadhna S Nair, Director General Medical Services (DGMS) (Army) and Senior Colonel Commandant, Army Medical Corps (AMC), inaugurated the ‘Navchetna’ Adolescent Health Clinic at the Armed Forces Clinic (AFC), New Delhi, on 27 March 2025. This pioneering initiative aims to provide comprehensive physical and mental health care to adolescents, addressing their unique developmental needs and nurturing their well-being.
Focus on Adolescent Health and Well-being
The ‘Navchetna’ Adolescent Health Clinic is designed to cater to the distinct healthcare requirements of adolescents, a crucial demographic often facing challenges related to physical, emotional, and psychological growth. The clinic will provide preventive, promotive, and curative healthcare services to adolescents, ensuring a safe and supportive environment where they can seek guidance on mental health, nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, and lifestyle choices.
In her address during the inauguration, Lt Gen Sadhna S Nair highlighted the significance of such initiatives in promoting adolescent health and empowering the youth to lead healthier, more informed lives. She emphasized that adolescence is a transformative phase that shapes an individual’s future, and providing accessible and specialized healthcare during this critical period is essential for building a stronger and healthier nation.
“Adolescents are the future pillars of our nation. Ensuring their physical and mental well-being through targeted healthcare interventions is not just a necessity but a responsibility. The establishment of ‘Navchetna’ is a step in the right direction, and similar clinics should be established across all echelons of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS),” said Lt Gen Sadhna S Nair.
Dissemination of IEC Material
Following the inauguration, Lt Gen Nair also released Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) material aimed at creating awareness about adolescent health issues and promoting the services offered by the clinic. The IEC material will be disseminated across various military healthcare facilities to encourage informed decision-making and foster a culture of preventive healthcare among adolescents.
A Model for Future Clinics
The launch of ‘Navchetna’ marks a significant milestone in the AFMS’ ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services and underscores the importance of addressing adolescent health holistically. The success of this initiative is expected to serve as a model for the establishment of similar adolescent health clinics across the country, ensuring that young individuals receive the care, guidance, and support they need to thrive.
The event concluded with Lt Gen Sadhna S Nair reiterating the AFMS’ commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of all age groups and expressing confidence that initiatives like ‘Navchetna’ will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the future of the nation.
