Patiala, 4th December:
In a landmark event, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains launched the School Health and Wellness Program [SHWP] in Patiala district.This program converges health and education to redefine community well-being. The launch event was also graced by the presence of member Punjab development board, Arun Kundu.
Prior to its launch in Patiala, SHWP set a commendable precedent in Moga and Ferozepur districts. With more than 850 Health and Wellness Ambassadors (HWAs) trained, the program made substantial contributions to ongoing initiatives. This success, coupled with the unwavering commitment of HWAs, underscores the potential for SHWP to leave a lasting impact.
In his address during the event Dr. Balbir Singh outlined, Health, Education and Employment generation as CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led government’s priorities.”It is only this government since independence which has brought Health and Education in centre of governance.” he added.
The Health Minister stated, “The initiation of SHWP in Patiala marks a revolutionary change in how we perceive community well-being.Approximately 752 HWAs are being trained in Patiala district under this program.Through the integration of health and education, we are building the groundwork for the adolescent that are both healthier and better informed for the future.”
Emphasising the importance of children as future citizens, Dr. Balbir Singh said there is nothing more precious than children for parents but still a lot has to be done to ensure their healthy development. It is a sad reality that many of our children are victims of stunting and India ranks 115 in Hunger Index. This is the reason that Punjab government is leaving no stone unturned to reverse this trend by revolutionizing the health and education sectors.
The Minister also instructed the health officials to carry out regular food testing of the food being provided in schools to ensure quality meals for the students.He asked the officials to take the help of Food safety vans running under the Eat Right initiative of the Punjab government.
The Minister also informed that the Aam Aadmi Clinic model of Punjab has been awarded as the best model of health amongst 85 countries in a health conference held recently and government is planning to double the number of Yoga camps under ‘ CM di Yogshala ‘.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains congratulated the Health Department for this initiative and assured his full cooperation in it’s implementation.He also informed that education department will carry out detailed Health check-up of 30 lakh school students of government schools.
On this occasion 12 types of awareness posters and other merchandise of SWHP were also released by both the Ministers .
The launch program witnessed the presence and speeches of key figures in the healthcare and education sectors. Special appreciation was extended to the Director Family Welfare Dr. Hitinder Kaur and State Program Officer RBSK cum Assistant Director Dr. Jaskirandeep Kaur for their contributions to community health. President IMA Dr. Bhagwant Singh, President IAP Dr. Ravi Bansal , Civil Surgeon Patiala Dr. Raminder Kaur and DIO Dr Gurpreet Kaur also expressed their views on the program.
