Health & Wellness – Spreading Awareness, Saving Lives
At Radio Gujarat 88.4, we understand that good health is the foundation of a strong, productive, and resilient community. Our commitment to community well-being is reflected in one of our most impactful initiatives — the Health & Wellness segment. This program is designed to educate, empower, and encourage the people of Gujarat to take charge of their physical, mental, and emotional health through accurate information, expert advice, and real-life stories.
In a state as diverse and dynamic as Gujarat, health challenges vary from region to region. Urban citizens face lifestyle-related ailments like diabetes, hypertension, and stress, while rural and tribal communities deal with issues related to maternal health, malnutrition, infectious diseases, and lack of access to primary healthcare. With Radio Gujarat 88.4’s Health & Wellness programming, we bridge this divide, making crucial health information accessible, inclusive, and culturally relevant to everyone — from city dwellers to remote village residents.
A Community-Centric Health Radio Initiative
Our Health & Wellness initiative goes beyond broadcasting medical advice. It is a comprehensive, participatory program that encourages preventive healthcare, timely diagnosis, and healthy habits, while breaking myths, stigmas, and misinformation. We bring together doctors, nurses, ASHA workers, mental health professionals, traditional healers, and public health experts to address pressing issues like:
- Reproductive and Maternal Health
- Child Nutrition and Immunization
- Water-borne and Vector-borne Diseases
- Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
- Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
- Sexual and Menstrual Health Awareness
- Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery
- Health Rights and Government Schemes
Through these topics, we promote a holistic understanding of health — one that includes not just physical fitness but also emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
Making Health Information Accessible and Inclusive
A key feature of the Health & Wellness segment on Radio Gujarat 88.4 is the language and tone in which it is delivered. Medical terms can be intimidating. Our programs are broadcast primarily in Gujarati, with simplified explanations, everyday analogies, folk storytelling, and relatable experiences. This ensures that every listener, regardless of their education level, can grasp the importance of what is being discussed.
For example, we use folk songs to explain malaria prevention, radio dramas to talk about early cancer screening, and real caller interactions to answer common menstrual health questions. This local and culturally-rooted approach fosters trust and relatability — the cornerstones of effective community health communication.
Key Health Series on Radio Gujarat 88.4
Our Health & Wellness programming is organized into thematic series that air regularly throughout the week. Some of our popular segments include:
1. Doctor Bolta Hai
Every week, a certified physician or specialist joins us on air to discuss common illnesses, seasonal outbreaks, and general health tips. Listeners can call in with questions and receive guidance in real-time. Topics range from how to manage diabetes to the importance of annual check-ups and vaccinations.
2. Maa ni Muskaan (A Mother’s Smile)
Focused on maternal and child health, this series features gynecologists, midwives, and nutritionists who educate women on prenatal care, safe childbirth practices, breastfeeding, and child development milestones. It also shares inspiring stories of rural mothers who overcame health challenges through awareness.
3. Mann Ki Baat – Mental Health Special
Mental health is often neglected or stigmatized. Through this special segment, we talk about anxiety, depression, substance abuse, exam stress, and suicide prevention. Psychologists and mental health counselors share coping strategies, support helpline information, and simple breathing or relaxation techniques.
4. Tamaru Sharir, Tamaru Hakku (Your Body, Your Right)
This segment covers topics related to sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, bodily autonomy, and health rights. Legal experts and health advocates guide listeners on accessing services, understanding laws, and creating safe environments, especially for adolescents and women.
5. Swasthya Na Sathi – Community Health Champions
We highlight the efforts of local health warriors — ASHA workers, ANMs, and frontline healthcare providers — who are making a difference in remote and underserved communities. Their stories offer both hope and practical learning for others.
Community Engagement and Field Connect
What makes Radio Gujarat 88.4’s Health & Wellness programming unique is its two-way communication model. We don’t just talk at our listeners; we engage with them. We invite questions via voice notes, phone calls, letters, and WhatsApp messages. We also conduct on-ground interactions, including:
- Health Camps and Live Broadcasts from Primary Health Centres
- Mobile Radio Vans that visit villages with doctors and radio equipment
- Women’s Circle Dialogues in SHG meetings and Anganwadis
- Youth Talks in colleges on fitness, addiction, and relationships
These activities ensure that the information shared on air is grounded in real community needs and encourages actionable outcomes.
Collaborations with Health Institutions
To ensure that our content is fact-checked, medically accurate, and aligned with government priorities, we partner with:
- District Health Offices
- State and National Health Missions
- Government and Private Hospitals
- Medical Colleges and Nursing Schools
- NGOs and Community Health Networks
We also work with international organizations during awareness campaigns like World Health Day, World AIDS Day, Breastfeeding Week, and Menstrual Hygiene Day, broadcasting special episodes, PSAs, and community competitions to increase engagement.
Health Literacy for the Digital Age
With changing times, we are also embracing digital health education. All Health & Wellness episodes are available as podcasts and short videos on our website and platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook. Infographics, audio snippets, and health tips are shared regularly across our social media handles to reach young and tech-savvy listeners.
We also host “Health Quiz Weeks”, challenge-based awareness drives, and listener stories, encouraging active participation in fun yet informative ways. These formats are especially popular among adolescents and urban audiences.
Impact and Testimonials
Over the months, the impact of Radio Gujarat 88.4’s health programming has been heartening. Listeners have reported early detection of illnesses, adopted healthier habits, and even sought timely care due to something they heard on our shows. ASHA workers have started using our episodes as training tools in group meetings. Pregnant women are now regularly attending prenatal sessions after listening to positive birth stories on air.
For instance, a tribal woman in Dahod shared how a segment on iron deficiency helped her understand her fatigue and seek medical care. In Rajkot, a youth group started a peer-led fitness club after our episode on adolescent health. In Bhavnagar, a widow found emotional strength to seek therapy after our Mann Ki Baat session on grief healing.
These stories fuel our belief that community radio saves lives — not with noise, but with informed, compassionate, and timely dialogue.
Our Vision for a Healthier Gujarat
Health is not a privilege — it is a right. And every citizen, regardless of where they live, deserves access to life-saving knowledge. At Radio Gujarat 88.4, we aim to continue growing our Health & Wellness segment with:
- Mobile Health Studio Vans for remote outreach
- Live Studio Consultations with district-level experts
- Collaborations with CSR and Philanthropic Health Missions
- School-Based Wellness Radio Clubs
- Village Health Report Cards and Audio Surveys
By investing in community health literacy, we believe Gujarat can lead the way in preventive health, gender equity, and well-being for all.
Join the Movement for Better Health
Whether you’re a doctor, a frontline health worker, a curious teenager, or a senior citizen — Radio Gujarat 88.4 welcomes your voice. Tune in, ask questions, share your health journey, or volunteer with us to help others. Together, we can create a Gujarat where awareness is the first vaccine, and knowledge is the best medicine.
Radio Gujarat 88.4 – Where Healthy Conversations Begin
Stay connected with Radio Gujarat 88.4
- FM Frequency: 88.4 MHz
- WhatsApp: +91-9873522666
- Email: info@radiogujarat.org
- Facebook | Instagram | Twitter: @RadioGujarat88.4
- Broadcast Hours: 6 AM to 10 PM daily