The State Level inauguration of National Deworming Day 10th August 2018 Round was here today done by Shri Amit Kumar, Special Secretary Health cum MD Punjab Health Systems Corporation cum Mission Director NHM, Punjab at the Government High School Phase - V, SAS Nagar (Mohali). He administered the deworming medicine to the children of the Government High School, Phase 5, and the Anganwadi centre.Giving information about the campaign, Sh. Amit Kumar informed that National Deworming Day is observed in the month of February & August every year across the country, since it was first launched in 2015 as part of the National Health Mission.The objective is to increase awareness about worm infestation, their impact on health & cure and prevent further infections through deworming (albendazole tablets).The Mission Director NHM, Punjab further said that Worm infestation in children leads to Anaemia, malnourishment and impaired mental and physical development.
He added that a total of 72,00,000 (72 Lakh) children between 1-19 years of age will be de-wormed during NDD & Mop up round till 17th of August. These children will be dewormed through the network of 20,023 Govt. & Govt. Aided schools & 8,937 Pvt schools and 27,314 Anganwadis of the state. Out of school & unregistered Children are being dewormed at Anganwadis centers mobilised by ASHA.Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jaspal Kaur, Director Health & FW, Punjab told that children aged 1–2 years will be given albendazole 200 mg/5 ml Syrup & children aged 2-19 years will be given the full tablet 400 mg of albendazole.Earlier, Dr Rita Bhardwaj, Civil Surgeon, SAS Nagar addressed the gathering and informed about the benefits of the deworming medicine, while interacting with the children present there.Others present on the occasion included Dr Sukhdeep Kaur, State Programme Officer, RKSK, Dr Veena Jarewal, District Immunization Officer, SAS Nagar, Dr Manjit Singh, SMO, Civil Hospital, Phase VI, Mohali, Sh Shivinder Sehdev, State Programme Officer (IEC & Media), Dr Yogesh, Asstt. Programme Officer, Principal of Govt School Phase V, Mohali Ms. Narpinder Kaur.