Gonda: National Deworming Day was launched at the Government Girls Inter College (GGIC) in Gonda on Monday, with District Magistrate Priyanka Niranjan administering deworming tablets to students and urging children, parents and schools to work together to ensure a healthier future.
The programme was organised under the themes “Healthy Childhood–Bright Future” and “Small Step, Big Health Benefit.” The District Magistrate and Chief Medical Officer were present as chief guests and interacted with students about the health risks associated with worm infections, preventive measures and the importance of maintaining personal hygiene.
Albendazole tablets were distributed to students during the programme. Officials encouraged children to wash their hands regularly, drink clean water, keep their nails trimmed and clean, and maintain hygiene at home and in their surroundings.
According to the Health Department, the district has set a target of administering deworming medicine to 18,45,736 children through 5,181 schools and 3,095 Anganwadi centres as part of the campaign. The initiative aims to control worm infections and improve children’s physical development, nutrition and overall health.
The Health Department appealed to parents to actively participate in the campaign and ensure that their children receive the prescribed deworming medicine.
During the event, District Magistrate Niranjan also held a direct interaction with girl students to learn about the facilities available at the school. The students informed her that the bathrooms required better cleanliness and that some classroom fans were not functioning properly.
Taking immediate cognisance of the complaints, the District Magistrate directed the District Inspector of Schools and the school principal to address both issues promptly so that students do not face inconvenience.
Additional Chief Medical Officer Dr C.K. Verma, Dr Aditya Verma, the GGIC principal, DPM Amarnath, DCPM Dr R.P. Singh, DEIC and RKSK officials including Ranjit Rathore, along with health department officials, teachers and a large number of students, attended the programme.
