20/08/2026
The Panchkula Branch organized a meeting in Chandigarh to discuss the Punjab flood response and commemorate World Humanitarian Day. Dr. Suman Singh, Director of the Health Department, UT Chandigarh shared the stage with Dr. Kalpana Apte, DG FPA India, Ms. amita dhanu, Head of Programs FPA India, Mr. Vinod Kapoor, Past President Panchkula Branch and Mrs. Rashi Adlakha, Chairperson FPA India Panchkula Branch. The speakers noted that disruption of healthcare facilities during natural disasters has a particularly severe impact on women, pregnant women, newborns, adolescent girls, and other vulnerable populations.
Dr. Kalpana Apte highlighted that during humanitarian crises, services are not merely an additional facility but an integral part of essential healthcare services. The experiences gained from the flood response in Punjab, she added, would help further strengthen future disaster management strategies. Ms. Amita Dhanu conducted a special session on “Integration of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services into Disaster Management Plans.” She discussed in detail the need to incorporate family planning, maternal health, safe delivery, and other sexual and reproductive health services into disaster management plans in advance. Dr. Suman Singh, the chief guest talked about how ensuring continuity of healthcare services during disasters is of utmost importance. “The sexual and reproductive health needs of women, adolescent girls and other vulnerable groups must be integrated into mainstream disaster management efforts. FPA India’s efforts to reach flood-affected communities with essential services and support are truly commendable,” she remarked.
Key discussions focused on integrating the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) into disaster management plans. At the conclusion of the programme, Anita Batra, former Chairperson of FPA India, expressed her gratitude to all the guests, speakers, and participants and delivered the vote of thanks.
Int'l Planned Parenthood Fed. IPPF South Asia Region Kalpana Apte Amita Dhanu