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.