Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Jul 27: The state health department has launched an ‘intensified diarrhoea control fortnight’ programme targeting children below five years of age. The programme was flagged off by district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai at Lady Goschen Hospital here on July 27.
The programme was formally flagged off by handing over ORS to mothers of children below 5 years of age.
Explaining about this programme distinct RCH officer, Dr Rukmini said "Under the programme, to be continued till August 8, health workers will distribute oral dehydratiion solution packets to each household that has children aged below five. The second week will be observed as Infant and Young Child Feeding Week with activities like home visits by ASHA workers for detection of undernourished children, counseling for mothers on breastfeeding."
Speaking on the occassion Ramanath Rai said, "Diarrhoea is very common in children. As a result, there is loss of water from the body and if neglected this can be dangerous. In order to prevent deaths resulting from severe diarrhoea, the government has undertaken this programme. In village people use home remedies for diarrhoea which may or may not work. ORS is administered to prevent diarrhoea. In order to check diarrohea in small children the health department has undertaken this programme. I wish this programme success."
Mangaluru south MLA J R Lobo, district health officer Ramakrishna Rao, superintendent of Wenlock Hospital Rukmini Devi, superintendent of Lady Goschen Hospital, Shakunthala and others were present.