Gujarat has set a target of reaching more than 1.84 crore children and adolescents aged up to 19 years under the state's National Deworming Day campaign, aimed at curbing intestinal-worm-related anaemia among young people. The state-level launch was held on 10 August at the Government Primary School, Gandhinagar, in the presence of Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya.

Scale of the Campaign

The drive covers children between the ages of one and 19, spanning schools and anganwadi centres across Gujarat. Deworming tablets were distributed to schoolchildren at the launch event, with the minister personally handing out medicine to students present.

Health Commissioner (Rural) Dr Ratankanwar Gadhvi Charan underscored the public health rationale: 'The campaign was important for preventing anaemia caused by intestinal worms among children aged one to 19,' she said. She added that the Health Department, Education Department, and Anganwadi workers were coordinating to ensure no child in the state was left without access to the medicine.

What the Government Said

Addressing the gathering, Minister Pansheriya said: 'The state had set a target of providing deworming medicine to more than 1.84 crore children and adolescents up to the age of 19.' He also urged students to cultivate healthy daily habits, maintain personal cleanliness, and respect their parents.

Among the dignitaries present were Gandhinagar Mayor Meera Patel, Children's University Vice-Chancellor Dr Joshi, Additional Director of the Health Department Dr Nayan Jani, and Deputy Director of Information Dr Shailesh Parmar.

Why It Matters

Intestinal worm infections are a leading, yet preventable, cause of anaemia and malnutrition among children in India. Anaemia impairs cognitive development and school attendance, making deworming a cost-effective public health intervention. Gujarat's campaign aligns with the broader national programme that runs twice a year across Indian states.

Notably, the multi-department coordination model — linking health workers, teachers, and anganwadi staff — is designed to minimise coverage gaps, particularly in rural and tribal pockets where access to healthcare remains uneven.

Parallel Inquiry Into Surat Doctor's Death

The minister's appearance at the deworming launch came a day after he ordered a high-level inquiry into the death of a resident doctor at Surat New Civil Hospital. On 9 August, Pansheriya directed officials to investigate possible ragging, mental or physical harassment, or negligence, with a report due within 24 hours.

The inquiry is being conducted jointly by the Civil Hospital Dean and Superintendent, under the direct supervision of the Additional Director of Medical Education, Gandhinagar. Statements of fellow students and resident doctors are reportedly being recorded. 'Strict legal and administrative action would be taken against anyone found responsible,' Pansheriya had said.

What Happens Next

Health officials are expected to report district-wise coverage figures once the drive concludes. The combined departmental effort will be closely watched as a model for last-mile delivery — particularly in reaching out-of-school children through anganwadi networks.