Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) Week observed at DMCH

Ludhiana, July 25, 2016: The Department of Pediatrics, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana in association with Ludhiana Academy of Pediatrics organised the ORS week (25-31st July 2016) in Pediatric OPD. This year’s theme was “ORS: The Only right solution in Diarrhea”. As part of public awareness, a Nukkad Play was organised by students of College of Nursing, DMCH, where importance of ORS (oral rehydration salt solution) use in treatment of dehydration as a cost effective method of health intervention. Diarrhoea is one of the five major causes of death in under five children. Others are malnutrition, measles, malaria and pneumonia. Dehydration from diarrhea can be prevented/ treated by giving ORS solution. Use of WHO ORS is part of a major effort, aimed at reducing childhood diarrhea deaths.
Dr Gurdeep Singh Dhooria, Consultant Pediatrics, DMCH in the programme said “Diarrhoea can be prevented by pursuing multisectoral efforts by improving access to clean water and safe sanitation, promoting hygiene, education, exclusive breast-feeding improved weaning practices, immunizing all children; especially against measles and rotavirus, using latrines, keeping food and water clean, washing hands with soap (the baby's as well) before touching food and by sanitary disposal of stools.”
He also stressed upon use of Zinc in all cases of diarrhea for 10-14 days can reduce volume, frequency and duration of diarrhea episodes significantly.
Poster competition was also held where nursing students highlighted how to detect signs of dehydration and to prepare ORS solution hygienically. Prizes were distributed Dean Academics, DMCH, Dr Rajoo Singh Chinna, Medical Superintendent Dr Sandeep Sharma and Dr Ajit Singh Chawla, Senior Pediatrician, Ludhiana.
Dr Chawla elaborated about the amount of ORS ( 50-100ml for infants, 100-200ml for older children to be given after each watery stool and WHO ORS is better than home made ORS.