Health department to train two million students for dengue prevention and other life-saving skills  

Ludhiana, November 18, 2024: Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh announced on Monday that the health department will train two million students from schools and colleges to ensure that every Class XII student or graduate is equipped with knowledge in detecting larvae and providing first aid to those in need.  

During a review meeting on vector-borne diseases at the Ludhiana Civil Hospital, the Minister highlighted the significant impact of community involvement and the participation of nursing students in the Punjab government's anti-dengue initiative, which has led to a 70 percent decrease in dengue cases this year.

Starting next year, the health department will educate two million students, including those in senior secondary classes and colleges, on identifying dengue larvae and contributing to community prevention efforts. Students will also learn to provide first aid assistance to those in need. 

Additionally, discussions are on-going with medical colleges and other nursing institutions to collaborate on training approximately 50000 medical or nursing students, focusing on the early detection of lifestyle disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and strokes—all of which are classified as non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The Minister emphasized that early detection of NCDs will help reveal which areas in the state are facing specific health challenges.

Dr. Singh reaffirmed the state government's commitment, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to create a healthier Punjab. By January 2025, the Ludhiana Civil Hospital will be transformed into a state-of-the-art medical facility, offering services comparable to private corporate hospitals. He acknowledged the support of Rajya Sabha member Sanjeev Arora. He stated that the aim is to equip civil hospitals in all districts with essential equipment, medication, and facilities needed for patients' physical and psychological recovery.

Earlier, the Minister visited Dayanand Medical College & Hospital (DMC), where he chaired a meeting on the Stop Epilepsy program in (SBS Nagar district) and the STEMI Project. During this meeting, doctors from DMCH presented their studies on the Stop Epilepsy initiative. He expressed strong support for their work and encouraged them to expand their research to all 23 districts of Punjab, providing a detailed overview of individuals suffering from epilepsy. He also reviewed the progress of the STEMI Project, which aims to improve emergency cardiac care across the state.

In the morning, the Minister also inaugurated the annual athletic meet at Guru Nanak Public School, Sarabha Nagar, encouraging students to participate regularly in sports. He emphasized the importance of athletics in fostering discipline and overall development among students and distributed prizes to the winners, congratulating them on their achievements.
Civil Surgeon Dr Pardeep Kumar Mahindra and other doctors and officials were also present.