Gujarat targets 1.84 crore children, adolescents in statewide deworming drive
Gandhinagar, Aug 10
More than 1.84 crore children and adolescents up to the age of 19 across Gujarat will be administered deworming medicine as part of the state's 'National Deworming Day' campaign, with the programme aimed at preventing worm-related anaemia among young people.
The state-level observance of 'National Deworming Day' was held at the Government Primary School in Gandhinagar, in the presence of Minister of State for Health, Praful Pansheriya.
The minister, along with other officials, distributed deworming tablets to schoolchildren during the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Pansheriya said: "The state had set a target of providing deworming medicine to more than 1.84 crore children and adolescents up to the age of 19."
He also interacted with the students and encouraged them to develop healthy habits in their daily lives, maintain cleanliness and respect their parents.
The minister also planted a tree on the school premises. Health Commissioner (Rural) Dr Ratankanwar Gadhvi Charan, said the campaign was important for preventing anaemia caused by intestinal worms among children aged one to 19.
"The Health Department, Education Department and Anganwadi workers were working together to ensure that no child in the state was left without access to the deworming medicine," she said.
Gandhinagar Mayor Meera Patel; Children's University Vice-Chancellor Dr Joshi; Additional Director of the Health Department, Dr Nayan Jani; and Deputy Director of Information, Dr Shailesh Parmar, were among those present.
Senior officials, teaching staff and students also attended the programme.
The Minister's remarks came a day after he ordered a high-level enquiry into the suicide of a resident doctor at Surat New Civil Hospital.
On August 9, Pansheriya directed officials to complete a swift investigation into possible ragging, mental or physical harassment or negligence and submit a report within 24 hours.
The enquiry is being conducted jointly by the Civil Hospital Dean and Superintendent under the direct supervision of the Additional Director of Medical Education, Gandhinagar, with statements of fellow students and resident doctors also being recorded.
"Strict legal and administrative action would be taken against anyone found responsible," he had said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative, but I hope the quality and dosage of the medicine is properly checked. We've seen past incidents where such campaigns faced logistical issues. Also, the minister commenting on the suicide case in the same breath shows how under pressure our healthcare system is. Need systemic improvements too.
Our anganwadi workers are truly the backbone of such drives. They work tirelessly to reach every household. Praying this campaign is a success and our kids grow up healthier! 💪
The connection between deworming and anaemia is scientifically proven, so this is a sound public health intervention. However, I wish the article also mentioned plans for follow-up and hygiene education. Deworming alone won't solve the problem if sanitation isn't improved.
This is a solid public health initiative that many developing countries could learn from. The scale is impressive—1.84 crore! Kudos to the health officials and teachers for collaborating on this. The tree planting is a nice symbolic touch too. 🌳
Good work, but I'm concerned about the doctor's suicide case mentioned at the end. The minister should focus more on the mental health of resident doctors, who are overworked and often face harassment. Deworming kids is important, but our doctors need protection too. Just saying.
It's good to see the state prioritising child health with a target like this. But I hope they also educate parents and children about hygiene, safe water, and sanitation—these are the real long-term solutions. Prevention is always better than cure!
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