Manipal Hospital Siliguri organised a special International Women’s Day event titled “Prerna – Her Story, Our Inspiration” to celebrate the achievements and resilience of women who continue to inspire society through their contributions. The programme brought together women from the sports fraternity, healthcare professionals and community leaders to highlight the spirit of empowerment and progress.
A key highlight of the event was a felicitation ceremony honouring distinguished women from the regional sports community who have made notable contributions in 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 Manipal Hospital conducted informative sessions focusing on women’s health challenges across different stages of life, stressing the importance of awareness, regular health check-ups and early disease detection.
Dr. Biswajit Dey, Senior Consultant and Head of Department – Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Manipal Hospital Siliguri, said regular screenings such as Pap smears, breast examinations and proper menstrual hygiene are vital for early detection and prevention of health conditions. Dr. Somsubhra Paul, Consultant – Orthopaedics, highlighted the importance of bone health, balanced nutrition and physical activity for women athletes to prevent injuries and long-term conditions like osteoporosis.
Hospital Director Sanjay Singha Mahapatra said the occasion recognises women’s achievements while encouraging them to prioritise health through preventive care and awareness.
In Siliguri, such community engagement initiatives by leading healthcare institutions like Manipal Hospital help strengthen awareness about preventive healthcare among women across North Bengal and neighbouring regions. The city, which serves as a major medical hub for North Bengal, Sikkim and parts of Northeast India, is witnessing growing demand for specialised women’s healthcare services and wellness programmes. Events linking sports, community leadership and healthcare awareness are also helping hospitals build stronger outreach with local communities while promoting healthier lifestyles among women in the region.
