Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, August 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Monday launched the state-level deworming campaign on National Deworming Day at the School of Eminence in Phase 11, Mohali, with the state targeting around 71 lakh children for administration of Albendazole tablets.
Dr Balbir Singh personally administered the tablets to schoolchildren and said children aged one to 19 years would be covered under the campaign to protect them against intestinal worm infestation.
He said children unable to take the medicine on Monday would be administered the tablets during the mop-up day on August 17.
The Health Minister said intestinal worm infections were common among children and could adversely affect their health, nutrition and development. Regular deworming, he said, helps improve nutritional status, supports physical growth and enables children to participate more actively in school and daily activities.
Describing National Deworming Day as an investment in the health and future of children, Dr Balbir Singh appealed to parents, teachers and Health Department officials to work together to ensure maximum participation in the campaign. He also urged stakeholders to support the government’s efforts towards building a ‘Rangla Punjab’.
Director Family Welfare Dr Aditi Salaria said every child should chew and consume the Albendazole tablet as per the prescribed protocol, irrespective of whether symptoms of worm infestation were present. She said worm infections could contribute to anaemia, fatigue and malnutrition, affecting children’s physical and mental development.
Civil Surgeon Dr Sangeeta Jain said Health Department teams were providing free Albendazole doses to children at schools and Anganwadi centres across the district. She appealed to parents to cooperate with the teams and ensure their children benefited from the campaign.
Mohali Mayor S. Sarabjit Singh Samana and District Planning Committee Chairperson Er. Prabhjot Kaur also addressed the gathering and urged people to participate in the initiative.
Schoolchildren presented a street play highlighting the prevention of intestinal worm infections and the importance of deworming. An oath was also administered to guests, students and participants to promote awareness and work towards eliminating worm infestation among children.
District Immunization Officer Dr Girish Dogra, School Principal Shaili Rajput, senior health officials, teachers and health workers were present at the programme.
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