Punjab Targets Deworming of 71 Lakh Children with Albendazole Tablets
Health Minister Appeals to All Stakeholders to Become Part of Campaign for Better Child Health
CHANDIGARH/SAS Nagar, August 10:
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh today launched the state-level deworming campaign on the occasion of National Deworming Day at the School of Eminence, Phase 11, Mohali. Addressing the state-level function organised by the Health Department, Dr. Balbir Singh said that children in the age group of 1 to 19 years would be administered Albendazole tablets during the campaign to protect them from intestinal worms. The Health Minister personally administered the tablets to schoolchildren, formally marking the launch of the campaign.
He said that the state has set a target of administering Albendazole tablets to approximately 71 lakh children across Punjab. Children who, for any reason, are unable to take the tablet today will be administered the medicine on August 17 during the mop-up day.
Dr. Balbir Singh said that intestinal worms are commonly found among children and it is essential to eliminate them to ensure their healthy growth and development. Regular deworming campaigns are therefore undertaken to protect children from the adverse effects of worm infestation.
The Health Minister said that National Deworming Day is not merely about administering a tablet; it is about investing in the health, nutrition, education and future of our children. Deworming helps children remain healthier, improves their nutritional status, supports physical development and enables them to participate more actively in school and everyday life.
He appealed to parents, teachers and Health Department officials to make concerted efforts towards ensuring the good health of children. Calling upon everyone to contribute towards building a ‘Rangla Punjab’, he urged all stakeholders to extend wholehearted support to the campaign.
Director Family Welfare, Health Department, Dr. Aditi Salaria, in her address, said that every child should chew and consume the Albendazole tablet, irrespective of whether or not the child has intestinal worms. She said that intestinal worms can adversely affect the health of children, while administration of the tablet as per the prescribed protocol is safe.
She said that worm infestation can lead to anaemia, fatigue and malnutrition among children, which may adversely affect their overall physical and mental development. She also sensitised the children about the significance of National Deworming Day.
Civil Surgeon Dr. Sangeeta Jain said that Health Department teams across the district are administering free doses of Albendazole to children at schools and Anganwadi centres as per the prescribed protocol. She appealed to parents to extend their cooperation and ensure that their children avail themselves of the benefit of the campaign.
Mohali Mayor S. Sarabjit Singh Samana and Chairperson of the District Planning Committee, Er. Prabhjot Kaur, also addressed the gathering and appealed to everyone to become part of the campaign for the better health and well-being of children.
During the event, schoolchildren presented a street play carrying an awareness message on prevention of intestinal worms and the importance of deworming. An oath was also administered to all guests, children and other participants present at the event, reaffirming their commitment towards creating awareness and ensuring freedom from intestinal worms.
District Immunization Officer Dr. Girish Dogra, School Principal Ms. Shaili Rajput, along with other senior health officials, teachers and health workers, were present on the occasion.
