Punjab Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur launches Anemia screening campaign for girl students in Tarn Taran

With the goal of making Punjab anemia-free, Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur launched an anemia screening campaign for girl students in government schools.

The initiative was inaugurated at Sri Guru Arjan Dev Government Senior Secondary School (Girls) in Tarn Taran, where 1,152 students underwent anemia testing by 10 medical teams on the first day.

The launch event was attended by Deputy Commissioner of Tarn Taran, Rahul, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Rajdeep Singh Brar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Sanjeev Kumar, SDM Tarn Taran Arvinderpal Singh, and Civil Surgeon Dr. Gurpreet Singh Rahe.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized the Punjab government's commitment to improving public health, particularly among young girls. She stated, "Keeping this objective in mind, the government has initiated an anemia screening campaign for schoolgirls."

In the first phase, nearly 30,000 girl students from classes 6 to 12 in government schools across Tarn Taran district will be tested for anemia. Those diagnosed with anemia will receive immediate treatment.

Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted the direct link between a girl's hemoglobin levels and her physical and mental well-being. She announced that Tarn Taran has been chosen as the launch site for this pilot project, which will soon be expanded to all districts to ensure an anemia-free Punjab.

The Minister also shared that the Punjab government is employing advanced non-invasive technology for testing, eliminating the need for needle pricks while ensuring accurate hemoglobin level assessments.
Stressing the importance of maintaining good health, she encouraged students to eat nutritious food and avoid junk food. She further urged families to support their daughters’ education and nutritional needs, ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed.

In addition to addressing anemia, Dr. Baljit Kaur reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling child labor and child begging. She stated, "The Punjab government is taking concrete steps against child labor and child begging. So far, the Social Security, Women, and Child Development Department has rescued 261 children, integrating them into mainstream education through the department’s scholarship scheme."

Deputy Commissioner Rahul highlighted that the district administration has provided the Health Department with modern equipment, enabling quick and efficient anemia screening. He added that under the National Child Health Program, special screening camps will be held in government schools across the district for girls in grades 6 to 12.

Civil Surgeon Dr. Gurpreet Singh Rahe and District Immunization Officer Dr. Varinderpal Kaur also raised awareness about anemia’s harmful effects. Dr. Varinderpal Kaur stated that the new technology will simplify the screening process and ensure that students receive timely treatment, leading to effective anemia eradication.