To build a healthy and empowered state, the Punjab Government has placed citizens’ health paramount and continuously accelerated its historic ‘Anemia Mukt Punjab’ (Anemia-Free Punjab) campaign. This is not merely a campaign, but a firm commitment to secure the lives of millions of mothers, daughters, and children, achieving new heights of success under the current government’s leadership. This initiative clearly demonstrates that the government does not limit healthcare to mere announcements but implements it at the grassroots level to bring positive change in every citizen’s life.
The Punjab Government’s primary focus is on empowering the state’s daughters, effectively continuing the anemia screening program in schools. Comprehensive blood testing is underway for approximately 60,000 girl students studying in government schools from class 6th to 12th. It is being ensured that no child suffers from anemia, as a healthy daughter is the foundation of a healthy Punjab. The Health Department has been provided with state-of-the-art, needle-free devices to measure hemoglobin levels. This technology not only makes the screening process quick and painless but also ensures immediate treatment for students found to be anemic. This is a testament to the Punjab Government’s people-centric health model, where old schemes are being implemented with new energy and technology. Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that awareness and public participation are indispensable for preventing anemia.
The success of the ‘Anemia Mukt Punjab’ campaign is the result of a successful and robust coordination between three crucial departments: Health, Education, and Women & Child Development. Through this synergy, the State Government has placed special emphasis on the distribution of Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) tablets and enhancing the nutritional level of children. A 100 percent distribution of IFA tablets is being ensured to approximately 7.27 lakh young children and 2.06 lakh pregnant and lactating mothers in rural and urban areas through Anganwadi centers and ASHA workers. The government is also improving nutrition by enhancing the quality of the Mid-Day Meal, ensuring it supports the physical and mental development of children. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the government’s complete commitment to strengthening the health infrastructure.