Manipal Hospitals Siliguri & Rangapani, units of one of the largest healthcare providers of India – Manipal Hospitals Group, supported by the Manipal Foundation, have inaugurated “Kawach” – A Community Health Screening Programme for the people of North Bengal. The launch took place in the gracious presence of Guests of Honour Shri Dilip Duggar, Chairman, Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA), and Shri Arun Ghosh, Sabhadhipati, Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad. The event also featured insights from Keynote Speaker Mr. Harinarayan Sharma, CEO, Manipal Foundation, and Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Hospitals, East Region. The name “Kawach”, meaning protection, has been purposefully chosen to reflect the programme’s core mission to safeguard the health of communities across North Bengal through awareness, early detection, and timely medical intervention. Symbolic of a shield, “Kawach” embodies the commitment to protecting individuals from preventable diseases by identifying risks early and ensuring that they receive appropriate guidance and care. The initiative marks the beginning of a comprehensive public–health effort focused on strengthening preventive healthcare and early disease detection across the interior regions of North Bengal.
Through “Kawach”, Manipal Hospitals aims to bridge these critical gaps by offering structured health assessments, on-ground counselling, and referral support—ensuring that quality healthcare reaches those who need it the most. In his keynote address, Mr. Harinarayan Sharma, CEO of Manipal Foundation, shared, “Manipal Foundation has always been committed to creating meaningful impact through accessible and affordable healthcare initiatives. ‘Kawach’ reflects our belief that quality healthcare should not be a privilege but a right for every citizen.” Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Hospitals, East Region stated, “With ‘Kawach’, our goal is to take preventive healthcare to the doorstep of every individual in North Bengal. Early detection saves lives, and initiatives like this ensure that people, especially those in underserved areas—receive timely guidance and support.” The programme received strong support from local administrative bodies. “Kawach” will be conducted in phases across multiple blocks in North Bengal and will include both general and onco screenings, covering lifestyle diseases, cardiac risks, women’s health issues, anaemia, respiratory illnesses, and more.
