Jalandhar, May 8 Under the supervision of Civil Surgeon, Jalandhar, a meeting on “Special camps to be held concerning iron and folic acid deficiency” was organised by Dr Gurmeet Kaur Duggal, District Family Welfare Officer with the district block extension educators. Dr Duggal said, “In Punjab, 53 per cent of women within the age groups of 15 to 49 years are anaemic. Lack of blood is a cause of concern both among girls and pregnant women.” She said even though the Health Department had been disbursing iron and folic acid tablets among girls and pregnant women from time to time, women were negligent about their health. The scenario, she said, was especially common among adolescent girls and mothers post delivery. She said anaemia in a mother directly affect the intellectual and physical development of a child. Similarly, she said, young girls faced problems in pregnancy and also face difficulties studying. She said to prevent anaemia among women aged between 15 and 49 years, the Health Department would hold health camps across villages in May. She said the women of the aforementioned age groups would be administered iron and folic acid tablets during these camps. She said women would also be apprised of its importance. Similarly, the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) staff shall also be provided iron and folic acid tablets to girls aged 15 years and more in schools. On the occasion, the officer also inspired the staff to spread maximum awareness among women regarding the Pradhan Mantri Matritv Abhiyan which is celebrated on the 9th of every month, wherein expert doctors conduct checks of pregnant women. She also motivated them to extend benefits of the scheme to expectant women. Deputy Mass Media Officer Shashi Bala was also present on the occasion.

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