The Delhi Government has asked private schools in the national Capital to implement the national deworming programme and administer medicines to the students. The Delhi Health Department has been implementing the Central programme in all Government, aided and schools of local bodies in the past.

“In the programme, Albendazole chewable tablets will be distributed to all the schools for use as a single dose on February 10, 2017 for the students of Class VI to XII, which shall be provided in the school itself under the supervision of the class teachers,” a communication by Directorate of Education (DoE) to private schools said.

National deworming programme targets children of school age, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) defines as being between 5 and 14 years.

The tablet prevents growth of hook worms, whip worms and round worms in the body whose growth results in anaemia and malnutrition.

The schools have been asked to share data of the students enrolled in the said classes. The Health Department will organise training sessions in schools, establish supply chain management and set up Emergency Response System (ERS) to deal with minor side effects of medication, if any.

While the Health Minister has directed that the programme must be implemented, the DoE has made it voluntary for now.

“Heads of private schools who desire to voluntarily implement national deworming programme can provide the data of enrollment of students of class VI to XII to the Health Department and make necessary arrangements for the training session in consultation with the authorities,” the DoE letter said.