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Himachal Govt. to launch health campaign in schools

Shimla: Expressing serious concern over rise in cases of anemia among school children due to supply of impure drinking water, the Himachal Pradesh Government on Monday announced that it would launch special deworming campaign in educational institutions.

The government has decided to execute school health projects sincerely, which has provisions for regular medical check up of school students, Health Minister Rajeev Bindal told the State Assembly.

He said medical tests, including stool test, would be conducted in schools to detect and treat those having worms.

The matter was raised by Leader of the Opposition Vidya Stokes while speaking in favour of cut motion moved by the Congress on approval of budget for health and family welfare.

Mr. Stokes highlighted that due to supply of impure drinking water, almost 90 per cent of school children are falling prey to worm diseases.

Mr. Bindal said the government has accorded top most priority to the health sector and this can be reflected by the fact the budgetary allocation for it has been enhanced by Rs.162 crore in the coming financial year in comparison to what it was in 2007-8.

The Minister said the government would maintain vigil over doctors to ensure that they attend duty regularly. The department would also ensure that no government doctor engages in private practice, he added.

Later, the Congress members withdrew the cut motion and the House unanimously approved the proposal.- PTI

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Himachal Govt. to launch health campaign in schools

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