2nd dose of tablet Albendazole to be given to students on De-Worming Day tomorrow

Chandigarh, November 14, 2013: Surjit Kumar Jyani, Health and Family Welfare Minister, Punjab here today stated that the 2nd dose of tablet Albendazole will be given to approximately 28 lakhs students studying in government and government aided schools and out of school girls registered in anganwari centers in the state on De-Worming Day (Friday).  
He appealed the parents of these children that tablet Albendazole  be given to save them from ill effects of worm infestation, control anaemia and  to  keep these children healthy.  He  added  that medical check-up of government and government aided schools and Anganwari students is done in the state and children suffering from various ailments are referred to government hospitals for free treatment. Even spectacles are given to children with refractory error.
Jyani revealed that 55664 free spectacles were  given during the year 2012-13 and 12000 are given during 2013-14 till August, 2013. Health Minister further stated that students found suffering from Rheumatic Heart Diseases or Congenital Heart Diseases are treated free in PGIMER, Chandigarh and private empanelled hospitals. 2190 students suffering from RHD/CHD had been referred till date and 1231 students operated  upon a  cost of RS.  974.15 lakhs by the government. Similarly 349 students suffering from cancer have been referred to PGIMER, Chandigarh, Mohan Dai Oswal Cancer Hospital, Ludhiana and CMC Ludhiana for free treatment and 452.11 lakhs  have been spent on them. As far as treatment of Thalassaemia is concerned, Sh Jyani stated that 185 cases have been referred to various Thalassemic Societies in Punjab and Rs 16.48 lakhs have been spent on them till September, 2013.
Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary Health, Medical Education & Research, Punjab informed that health education is imparted to students and teachers to prevent anaemia, mal-nutrition and to follow good nutrition practices. Children are screened for moderate and severe anaemia and referred to a health facility for free treatment. All children are given weekly IFA tablets i.e. 52 tablets per year and two tablets of Albendazole at the interval of 6 months per year under Weekly Iron Folic Supplement (WIFS) Programme by Health Department. She said anaemia can be prevented by taking IFA tablet regularly.
Dr Karanjit Singh, Director Health Services (Family Welfare), Punjab said that according to National Programme Health Survey- III, 55% adolescent girls and 30% boys are reportedly suffering from aneamia in India. Mal-nutrition, lack of balanced diet and worm infestation are the main causes of anaemia.  Anaemia makes children lethargic and irritable and they develop poor concentration, learning disability, stunted growth and decreased capacity to work.