Manipal Hospital Siliguri marked International Women’s Day by organising a special event titled “Prerna – Her Story, Our Inspiration,” celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to inspire society through their journeys. The programme brought together women from the sports fraternity, healthcare professionals and community leaders, highlighting the growing importance of women’s empowerment and health awareness. The event featured a felicitation ceremony recognising distinguished women from the regional sports community who have made notable contributions to their respective fields. Among those present were Popi Barman, coach of the Women’s Cricket Team of North Bengal, Soumyadeep Saha, coach at the Padukone School of Badminton, and Shihan Sahadev Barman, president of the Kudo Mixed Martial Arts Association, West Bengal. Several coaches and players from the regional sports fraternity also attended the programme.
Doctors from the hospital conducted sessions focusing on women’s health challenges and the importance of preventive care. Dr. Biswajit Dey, Senior Consultant and Head of Department – Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Manipal Hospital Siliguri, emphasised the importance of regular health check-ups, Pap smears, breast examinations and menstrual hygiene to detect and prevent health conditions early.
Dr. Somsubhra Paul, Consultant – Orthopaedics, said maintaining strong bones through regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and timely medical guidance is essential for women athletes to sustain active sporting careers and reduce risks such as osteoporosis. Hospital Director Sanjay Singha Mahapatra said International Women’s Day highlights the resilience and achievements of women while also encouraging them to prioritise health through awareness, regular screenings and preventive care.
In Siliguri, healthcare institutions are increasingly engaging with communities through awareness programmes and outreach events to strengthen preventive healthcare adoption. As Siliguri continues to emerge as a major medical hub for North Bengal, Sikkim and neighbouring northeastern states, hospitals are focusing on specialised services, including women’s health and sports-related healthcare. Initiatives like this also help healthcare providers expand their regional presence while addressing the growing demand for quality medical services in the Siliguri healthcare market.
