Punjab to provide second dose of Albendazole tablet to approximately 28 lakh students studying in Government and aided schools and girls registered in Anganwadi centres in the State on De-Worming Day on November 15.
The State Health and Family Welfare Minister Surjit Kumar Jiyani on Thursday appealed to parents that Albendazole tablet be given to save children from ill-effects of worm infestation, control anaemia and to keep the children healthy. “Medical check-up of Government and aided schools and Anganwadi students is done in the State and children suffering from various ailments are referred to Government hospitals for free treatment,” he added.
Jiyani said that even spectacles are given to children with refractory error and 55,664 free spectacles were given during 2012-13 and 12,000 are given during 2013-14 till August 2013. Students suffering from rheumatic heart disease or congenital heart disease are treated free in PGIMER-Chandigarh, and private empanelled hospitals; and 2,190 students had been referred till date while 1,231 students operated upon a cost of Rs 974.15 lakh by the Government. Jayani added that 349 students suffering from cancer have been referred to PGIMER, Chandigarh, Mohan Dai Oswal Cancer Hospital, ludhiana and CMC ludhiana for free treatment and Rs 452.11 lakh spent towards treatment.