Ma Su inaugurates deworming camp, distributes pills to children

CHENNAI: On National Deworming Day, State Health Minister Ma Subramanian inaugurated the deworming camp at MGR Nagar Government High School campus in Kodambakkam and distributed Albendazole pills to students.

Subramanian said that as per the National Deworming Programme implemented in August 2015, each year, the first phase is observed in February and March and second phase in August and September.

The camp for distributing pills was held from 9 am to 4 pm and children aged 1 to 19 years and women aged 20 to 30 years, who are not pregnant or lactating, were given deworming tablets. A special camp will be held on September 16 for those who missed it this time.

“So far, over 2.10 crore children between 1 to 19 years, and 54.67 lakh women between 20 and 30 years have benefitted through the scheme, which costs over Rs 6.61 crore. At least 54,439 anganwadi workers, 11,077 village health nurses and 2,650 Asha workers are working for these special camps at 59,661 schools across Tamil Nadu,” he said.

Children between 1 and 2 years of age are given ½ tablet (200 mg) of Albendazole and adults are prescribed 1 tablet (400 mg) of Albendazole. “It helps to get rid of worms and reduces the risk of infections, anaemia and malnutrition,” the health minister added.