CMC Observes ORS Week

Ludhiana, July 31, 2017: Diarrhoea disease in children among under-five is a major public health problem. In India 1.5 lacs children less than 5 years die of diarrhoea every year. Diarrhoea is more prevalent in low socioeconomic status and in malnourished, unimmunized children.

To raise awareness about prevention strategies and early treatment with oral rehydration therapy, Paediatricians all over the country under Indian Academy ofPaediatrics, are participating in a week long( 25-31stJuly, 2017) celebrations, named ORS week. ORS day was celebrated at CMC and Hospital Ludhiana jointly by Paediatrics medicine and nursing department. It was conducted in PaediatricsOPD of CMC, where children, along with parents, relatives, nursing student and post graduate students were present.

Dr.JugeshChhatwal head of paediatrics CMC started the programme by saying that it is a preventable problem and can be treated with simple and effective solution which can be made at home and readymade WHO ORS packets are also available.
Dr GurmeetkaurProf.of paediatrics at CMC, highlighted the causes of diarrhoea and emphasised the use of the “Only Rational solution-ORS”, the theme of this week.She also said that most of diarrhoeal episodes can be managed by rehydration therapy with ORS, zinc supplementation and appropriate feeding.

Nursing superintendent CMC, Mrs.ReenaJairus also talked about sanitation and role of hygiene in prevention of diarrhoea. ORS making and hand hygiene videos and demonstration were done by post gradates of Paediatrics and nursing students. There was poster presentation done by nursing students on causes, prevention, and Oral rehydration therapy and hand hygiene. The pamphlets with education about ORS were also distributed among patients’ relatives in the outpatient department of paediatrics.