VIJAYAWADA: To conduct medical tests on children hailing from a poor academic background and to create awareness among them about hygiene, the Krishna district administration is planning to launch `School Health' programme soon.

Conducting health checkups to children studying in Government schools and providing medicines and treatment to those suffering from ailments have formed part of the Rs. 3.5-crore project that would benefit over seven lakh children across the district.

Early detection

Early detection of diseases will help reduce trauma and give a scope for timely treatment.

The administration is planning to mobilise funds from different channels and involve non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the project.

Medical teams will visit all the 2,397 primary, 664 upper-primary and 419 high schools in the district and conduct medical tests on students in the first-of-its-kind programme.

Students of bridge schools and special schools will also undergo the health checkups.

Medicines will be distributed free of cost and the administration will bear the expenses for surgeries and treatment.

Target group

"The idea is to ensure good health among children, as the period of 5 to 15 years of age is very crucial," says district Collector Navin Mittal.

Lack of awareness about hygiene is a major problem with children hailing from rural areas as most of them belong to illiterate background.

Most of them do not know how to brush their teeth, take bath in a proper manner and to keep themselves clean.

The doctors will take the responsibility of explaining to children, and also their parents if possible, about the proper maintenance of hygiene and the need to consume nutritious food.

Parents with good academic background teach their children these tips. There should be someone to teach hygiene to the remaining children, Mr. Mittal points out.

On an average, the administration has to spend Rs. 40 to Rs. 50 on each child, which includes health checkups and treatment.

Collector upbeat

Though pooling resources for this programme is a big challenge, the Collector exudes confidence that many hospitals and NGOs will come forward to support the cause.

"NGOs are very supportive here. They are providing relief to victims of tsunami and floods. We can take up School Health with the help of social service organisations," he says.

Besides holding discussions with organsiations like the Indian Medical Association and the Lions Club, Mr. Mittal has plans to divert some funds from the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan programme.

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