Health check-up of all students to be conducted, says minister

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh has announced that health check-up of students will be conducted in all government and aided schools of the state.

Addressing a state-level event organised by the Health Department on National Deworming Day at Government Senior Secondary Smart School, Tripuri, as chief guest, Balbir Singh emphasised the importance of children’s health in building a prosperous Punjab.

“On the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, health check-up will be conducted to monitor children’s haemoglobin levels, height, weight and eyesight. Wherever issues are identified, immediate corrective actions will be taken,” he added.

Talking to the media, Balbir Singh said students in Classes XI and XII, as well as college-going youths, will be trained in life skills and first-aid. Nursing students, medical interns and degree college students will be groomed as master trainers to prevent diseases like dengue and other vector-borne illnesses. “Due to the success of our War on Dengue campaign, dengue cases in Punjab have reduced by 50% this year,” he added.

Highlighting the issue of intestinal worm infections among children, the minister said Albendazole tablets were distributed twice annually to combat tapeworm and other parasitic infections. He said, “Today, on National Deworming Day, around 72 lakh tablets have been distributed to students in government, aided and private schools. Additionally, a Mop-up Day will be observed on December 5 to ensure no child is left untreated.”

39% Punjab kids affected by intestinal worms

Balbir Singh cited a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, which stated that 241 million children globally are affected by intestinal worms. In Punjab, approximately 39% of children face this issue, according to a Government of India survey. “Intestinal worms live in the intestines, laying thousands of eggs daily. These eggs spread through open defecation, unclean hands or walking barefoot and can contaminate soil, vegetables and water, affecting others,” he said.

The minister also urged parents and children to adopt preventive measures, including maintaining hygiene by trimming nails, washing hands regularly, avoiding open defecation and walking barefoot, drinking boiled water and thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables.