“Healthy Mothers, Healthy Punjab”: State’s First Nutrition Guide for Expectant Mothers Launched
In a landmark step toward improving maternal and child health, Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh unveiled the state’s first Health Advisory on Dietary Guidelines for Pregnant and Lactating Mothers at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana.
City Air News
Aug 8, 2025 08:12
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Ludhiana, August 8, 2025: In a landmark step toward improving maternal and child health, Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh unveiled the state’s first Health Advisory on Dietary Guidelines for Pregnant and Lactating Mothers at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana.
The initiative—conceptualised by Dr. Ashima Taneja, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH)—is the result of a robust collaboration between PAU, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), and DMCH, Ludhiana.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Ashima Taneja emphasised the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet during pregnancy, rooted in locally available and traditional foods. She also addressed common myths and misconceptions surrounding maternal nutrition in Punjab, aiming to replace them with evidence-based practices.
This initiative aligns with the Punjab Government’s broader vision of “Swasth Punjab – Surakshit Punjab”, and represents a critical move towards reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates.
The concise yet comprehensive advisory serves as a practical, easy-to-understand guide for women and families. It outlines essential dietary recommendations before, during, and after pregnancy—clearly listing what to eat, what to avoid, and how to make nutrition choices that are culturally relevant and scientifically sound.
Bipin Gupta, Secretary, DMC&H Managing Society, praised the collaboration, stating:
“This advisory is a significant step toward improving maternal nutrition at the grassroots level. It reflects our collective commitment to community health through effective knowledge-sharing and inter-institutional synergy.”
The release of this advisory marks a milestone in women’s health empowerment, equipping expectant and new mothers with the knowledge and confidence to make informed dietary choices for a safer and healthier motherhood journey.
