Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
* First state to have comprehensive database on student heath
* Health card to reflect health profile of all students
Chandigarh, May 4: The Punjab today became the first state in the country to introduce a comprehensive Full Profile Digitised HealthCare Card for all school students that would make him eligible for free treatment of 30 life threatening diseases.
Disclosing this here today Mr.Surjit Kumar Jayani, Health and Family Welfare Minister said that over 15 Lakh children in the 26115 Anganwadi Centres and 29 Lakh plus children in the 19999 schools of Punjab would be issued cards under pilot project. He said that under the plan full body check-up of all students would be conducted every 3 months and they would be provided free treatment for 30 life threatening diseases.
Ms. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary (Health & Finance) here today informed that Dedicated Medical teams have been formed at all the block levels for smoothly carrying free medical check-ups of all the children of up-to 18 years old, studying in Govt and Govt aided schools of Punjab as well as Anganwadi centres in the state. Each team comprising 2 Medical officers, 1 Pharmacist and 1 Staff Nurse shall conduct check-up twice a year. There are around 15 Lakh children in the 26115 Anganwadi Centres and around 29 Lakh children in the 19999 schools of Punjab, who would benefit from this service. She said that children, who are found suffering with any ailment shall be referred to the nearest govt hospitals for further treatment. She said that all children in Govt & aided schools and Anganwadi centres shall also be examined for 30 different kinds of major diseases & ailments including Cancer, Heart Diseases, ENT, Dental, Eye and Psychiatric issues etc and any child found suffering with any of these diseases will be given free of cost treatment in the Govt or Govt empanelled hospitals. Ms Mahajan further revealed that it has been observed that nearly 6% children are suffering with weak eyesight and therefore special arrangement are being carried for thorough eye check up of such children. School teachers are also being sensitized to recognize primary indications of weak eye sight among children so that as and when required Ophthalmic Officers could be sent to the schools for check up’s and providing free spectacles to children detected with weak eye sight.
Ms Vini Mahajan further stated that already 95% children of 1.5 Years age are being immunized in the state, whereas with regard to immunization of children in the age group of 5-10 years some further initiatives have been planned. Instructions are being given to the school authorities to seek the immunization status of the child from parents at the time of admission in school. If any child is not immunized then the child shall be got immunized at the Mamta Diwas camp held on Wednesday in his/her own village. These dedicated medical teams visiting the schools shall also ensure that no child remains un-immunized in the schools in their area. She further revealed that it has also been felt that such immunization related record for all children studying in Private schools should also be maintained. Deputy Commissioners have been told to sensitize and encourage the managements of private schools for maintaining the same.
