Of 1.4k girls surveyed in Patiala govt schools, 1,190 are anaemic
Tribune News Service
Patiala, August 22
A recent health initiative has found alarming levels of anaemia among girls studying in government schools in Patiala.
During tests conducted under a pilot project named Shakti, 1,190 out of 1,400 girls tested found to be suffering from moderate to high level of anaemia. The tests were conducted by the district administration in collaboration with the Health Department.
Symptoms
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Chest pain
The Shakti project, launched by Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray, aims to tackle anaemia among adolescent girls by providing targeted health interventions in government schools. In its first phase, the project focused on 42 schools in Rajpura, which were divided into three groups for systematic health checks.
Deputy Commissioner Parray highlighted that the project has successfully achieved its initial objectives. “This initiative was primarily launched to eradicate anaemia among adolescent girls in government schools, and the data collected will play a significant role in our ongoing fight against this condition,” said the Deputy Commissioner, Showkat Ahmad Parray.
The project involves close collaboration between the Health and School Education Departments and Nabha Power Limited (NPL). Under the initiative, blood tests were conducted for girls aged 10 to 19 years, and those found anaemic are being provided with necessary medical treatment and dietary supplements.
“We are conducting a second round of blood tests for the girls, who were found anaemic, after three months. Additionally, we are working on modifying the mid-day meal program to cater to their nutritional needs,” Parray added.
He emphasised that the initiative goes beyond just testing, with girls being provided with Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) tablets, nutritional kits, and enhanced dietary support.
The Shakti project also includes a comprehensive health check-up for students, screening for conditions like thalassemia, and raising awareness among parents about the serious symptoms of anaemia. Students diagnosed with severe anaemia will receive treatment at Civil Hospital and Rajindra Hospital.
