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Eighty per cent of the total 9 lakh children studying in MCD schools are anaemic, according to a survey cited by Mehra. While all the expenses for the tests would be borne by the private partners, the MCD would provide medicines free of cost.
“A survey in China has proved that children when treated for anaemia tend to grow 2-4 inches taller than they otherwise would,” Mehra said.
MCD Health Committee Chairman Dr V K Monga said 100 per cent of the children surveyed in MCD schools on Circular Road in Shahdara have tested anaemic.
“The project has already begun in Shahdara (north), Shahdara (south) and west Delhi. By next week, we will extend the programme to Civil Lines, city zone and Sadar Paharganj zone. We will expand it to the remaining six zones by the month-end,” Monga said.
“Minute details of how the tablets would be administered to children have been worked out. We will also screen film shows for parents detailing what should be done by them to rid their children of anaemia. Shatrughan Sinha has agreed to be the brand ambassador for this programme,” he said.
SRL Ranbaxy CEO Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary said this was a purely non-profit, social initiative for them.
“Using the latest technology, we will test the children for anaemia. Age 5-12 is the most critical stage in a child's development, when all efforts should be made to ensure that children do not become anaemic. The pass-out grade has been found in several countries to be the most important one in curing anaemia; hence the focus of the campaign initially is on class IV and V children,” he said.
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