Healthy children retain higher levels of cognitive functionality

New Delhi: More than 1200 students studying in Delhi Govt. schools of Central Delhi were given free specialized health services such as dental, eye/vision testing, ENT, health/nutrition communication and counseling as part of district referral mela under Chacha Nehru Sehat Yojana (CNSY). The event was held at Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya, Rouse Avenue at Deen Dayal Updadhyaya Marg in New Delhi this morning. Launching the drive on Saturday Sh. Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Union Minister, Communications and Information Technology, described the campaign as a “mammoth exercise”whereby comprehensive health services are being provided to the students at the doorstep. Addressing the occasion, Shri Sibal said: “There is enough evidence to show that healthy children retain higher levels of cognitive functionality and are likely to attend school more regularly and for longer. Inculcating awareness about good health practices at this young age will go a long way in building a healthy nation. I am happy that the Delhi Government is working to achieve the objectives of the programme with the technical assistance from Global Health Strategies.” Among the dignitaries present were Delhi Health Minister Dr A K Walia and Delhi Education Minister Prof. Kiran Walia, area MLA, Sh Sohaib Iqbal, and Municipal Councilor Sh.Ramesh Datta Dr. A.K. Walia, Minister of Health & Family welfare told that CNSY health referral mela marks the continuum of care and medical services that are initiated by approximately 100 medical teams in the health screening camps being conducted in schools all over Delhi. Within a short span of one year of its launch more than 5 lac students across Delhi have benefitted from this scheme and offered various services starting from mass deworming programme to free distribution of spectacles. More than 7000 students have been provided free spectacles under this scheme in last year. Considering the success and need of the students the programme is being scaled up and more teams are being added up to reach each and every child in GNCT of Delhi. Prof . Kiran walia, Education Minister, told that after right to education, this initiative of Delhi Govt. will bring right to health to every child of Delhi.