– Healthier Children, Prosperous Punjab, says Health Minister
– Over 72 Lakh Tablets Distributed to Combat Tapeworm Infections
– State-Level Function Held in Patiala on National Deworming Day
Patiala, November 28:
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh has announced that health check-ups will be conducted in all government and aided schools across the state. He was addressing a state-level event organized by the Health Department on National Deworming Day at Government Senior Secondary Smart School, Tripuri, Patiala, where he was the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized the critical importance of children’s health in building a prosperous Punjab. “On the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, comprehensive health check-ups will be conducted to monitor children’s hemoglobin levels, height, weight, and eyesight. Wherever issues are identified, immediate corrective actions will be taken because only healthy children can lead us to a prosperous Punjab,” he said.
In an informal interaction with the media, Dr. Balbir Singh shared additional initiatives to enhance student well-being. He stated that students in Classes XI and XII, as well as college-going youth, will be trained in life skills and first aid. Nursing students, medical interns, and degree college students will also be groomed as master trainers to prevent diseases like dengue and other vector-borne illnesses. “This year, due to the success of our War on Dengue campaign, dengue cases in Punjab have reduced by 50%,” he added.
Highlighting the issue of intestinal worm infections among children aged 1 to 19, Dr. Balbir Singh explained that Albendazole tablets are distributed twice annually to combat tapeworms and other parasitic infections. He said, “Today, on National Deworming Day, around 72 lakh tablets have been distributed to students in government, aided, and private schools. Additionally, a Mop-up Day will be observed on December 5 to ensure no child is left untreated.”
Dr. Balbir Singh cited a World Health Organization (WHO) report, which states that 241 million children globally are affected by intestinal worms. In Punjab, approximately 39% of children face this issue, according to a Government of India survey. “Intestinal worms live in the intestines, laying thousands of eggs daily. These eggs spread through open defecation, unclean hands, or walking barefoot and can contaminate soil, vegetables, and water, affecting others,” he said.
The Minister also urged parents and children to adopt preventive measures, including maintaining hygiene by trimming nails, washing hands regularly, avoiding open defecation, walking barefoot, drinking boiled water, and thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables.
Prominent attendees at the event included Jasbir Singh Gandhi, Suresh Rai, Director Family Welfare Dr. Jasminder, Director NHM Dr. Balwinder Singh, State Program Officer Dr. Jasleen Virk, Civil Surgeon Dr. Jatinder Kansal, District Immunization Officer Dr. Kushaldeep Kaur, District Health Officer Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, ACS Dr. Rachna, SMO Tripuri Dr. Monica, Dr. Lavkesh Kumar, School Principal Dr. Narinder Kumar, and District School Health Officer Dr. Ashish Sharma. The event was moderated by Deputy Mass Media Officer Bhag Singh.
