A significant women’s health program, Health Mela 2026, was successfully launched at Salt Lake, Kolkata, by the Bengal Obstetric & Gynaecological Society (BOGS).

The event was graced by Mr. José Ramirez Barreto, a legendary footballer; Dr. M. M. Samsuzzoha, President of BOGS; Dr. Tulika Jha, Honorary Secretary of BOGS; and Dr. Dibyendu Banerjee, Past President and Chief Advisor of the Women’s Health Initiative, BOGS.

As part of BOGS’s continued dedication to enhancing women’s health via awareness and action, Health Mela 2026 was organized. Important topics like cancer prevention, adolescent health, violence against women, and general wellness were the focus of the event. It sought to close the gap between access to necessary medical care and health education, particularly for women from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Expert-led talks, live CPR demonstrations, free health screenings, and a massive HPV vaccination campaign were all part of the Health Mela. Free consultations and tests were given to women, such as HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening, mammography for early breast cancer diagnosis, bone mineral densitometry for osteoporosis, and hemoglobin estimation for anemia and thalassemia. BOGS has already given 1300 of the 2500 free cervical cancer vaccinations scheduled under this program to girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.

To make health education approachable and applicable for the general public, Health Mela 2026 also featured interactive activities and community involvement initiatives. A health awareness walk that encouraged attendees to take control of their health and lead healthier lifestyles marked the event’s conclusion.

As a founding member of FOGSI, BOGS is still essential to the advancement of women’s health at the local and national levels. The society is still making a significant impact with its 2025–2026 theme, Saving Women’s Lives: From Awareness to Action, through programs like Health Mela 2026.

In order to make Health Mela 2026 a successful step toward a healthier future for women and girls, BOGS thanked all partners, stakeholders, medical professionals, volunteers, and members of the media.

Priyanka Dutta