POONCH: Under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma, National Deworming Day was successfully conducted today in this border District. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan launched the deworming drive here at Government High School Boys Purani Poonch.

The deworming of drive was also conducted across Mandi, Surankote and Mendhar, where Albendazole tablets were administered to children and adolescents in the age group of 1 to 19 years with the active support of DPMU teams, school staff, Ashas and Anganwadi workers.

 Speaking on the occasion, the CMO informed that Poonch district has a large target population under the campaign. The district comprises 1391 government schools with an enrollment of 95,434 students, 267 private schools with 40,762 students, 1419 Anganwadi Centres with 36,209 beneficiaries and 68 madrasas with 6,999 students. In total, 1,79,404 beneficiaries aged between 1 and 19 years are to be covered under the deworming drive.

He further stated that all eligible children present in schools, Anganwadi Centres and madrasas were administered the medicine today, while those left out will be covered on the Mop-Up Day scheduled on April 18. Highlighting the dosage, Dr. Khan said that children aged 1–2 years are given 200 mg Albendazole, while those between 2–19 years receive 400 mg as per prescribed health guidelines.

The CMO emphasized that worm infections can cause serious health issues among children, including anemia, malnutrition, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, poor immunity and hindered physical as well as mental development. These intestinal worms consume essential nutrients from the body, affecting overall growth and learning ability.

He added that regular deworming is highly beneficial as it improves nutrient absorption, prevents anemia and malnutrition, boosts immunity, enhances physical growth and helps children perform better in studies. The health department urged parents, teachers and the community to ensure that every eligible child receives the deworming dose to keep them healthy and disease-free.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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