Shatrughan asks Delhiites to contain anaemia in children

New Delhi, Nov 3 (UNI) Showering accolades on Delhiites for their endeavour to lead the country in controlling polio among children, actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha today called upon them to replicate the same success in control of anaemia in minors too.

Addressing the inaugural function of anaemia control programme launched by the MCD for the benefit of ten lakh prime school children here, the former Union Minister suggested that the implementation of the programme should ensure that there were no loopholes in reaching out to the masses He said, ''We have not been able to completely eliminate polio because of certain lacunae in implementation of the programe. Such kind of lapses should be avoided.'' Delhi Mayor Aarti Mehra, Delhi BJP chief Harshvardhan, municipal councillors and senior officials were also present on the occasion.

Ms Mehra said anaemia was the main cause of tiredness and lack of activity not only in children but also in teenagers and the youth.

It should be checked and treated at early school stage. The MCD's main object is to reach out to children coming from economically weaker sections of society.

Dr Harshvardhan said the country was still 60 years behind developed countries in the health index.

''If we have to proceed with confidence in the 21st century, it is imperative to turn health into a public campaign.

MCD's Anaemia Control Programme is a very positive step in this direction. If MCD takes up the programme as a mission, Delhi came become role model for other states,'' he stressed.

UNI