NEW DELHI | The Union Ministry of Education has launched the ‘Child Health Literacy Program’ and ‘Child Health Brigade’ keeping in mind the education and health of children. It was started by the Indian Pediatric Academy, SD Public School and ASGS Dream Big Welfare Association. Speaking on the occasion, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said, “Education and health are two important pillars on which a happy society is built. I hope that with the help of this program, our children will be aware of health awareness and health education in society. Will play an important role in building the system and a strong range of child to child health care will be launched. “
The program was also attended by Dr. Bakul Parekh, President of Indian Pediatrics (Indian Academy of Pediatrics).
Explaining the need for education and health, Dr. Nishank said, “We all recognize that investment in education is an investment in health. By addressing health and education together, we will achieve the Sustainable Development Goals very soon. In this way, our National Health Policy 2017 also emphasizes health welfare and health rather than care of diseases so that people of all ages can avail of good health. Education as a part emphasizes investment in school health, including health. ”
Emphasizing the need for health investment, he said, “In our country, about 26 crore children in the age group of 6 to 18 years are going to schools. So educating these children, knowing about their health and behavior is very Is important. An educated, prosperous, productive and sustainable community will also be created if they can live healthy lives and use their full potential. ”
He said that children with their skills of first aid will be able to contribute to the important work related to life-saving till the arrival of health workers and doctors in places where medical help is not available.
Currently, 45 schools, more than 100 teachers and professors and more than 1500 students are associated with this program. Emphasizing the importance of mental health along with physical health, Dr. Nishank said, “In the era of this global epidemic, we all know that health has emerged as a serious issue. In this way, in addition to physical health, emotional and mental health Also important is that we also have to teach children how to balance their lives in mental and emotional difficulties. In the
Corona crisis, the Ministry of Education increased the budget by approximately 11 percent during lockdown from 7300 crores to 8100 crores. Till date. The format of mid-day meal has been converted to dry food, ration DBT etc.