In Amritsar, a pneumococcal vaccine was launched

On Wednesday, the Health Department began administering the pneumococcal conjugate vaccination (PCV) to children at the Satellite Hospital on Ranjit Avenue. Previously, the department included PCV in the vaccination regimen to protect children against pneumococcal illness. “The vaccination is marketed for Rs 5,000 in the market, but the government is providing it free of charge,” Civil Surgeon Dr Charanjit Singh said. He claims that pneumococcal bacterium infects a large number of individuals, with the majority of instances resulting in death. “The first dosage of the vaccine is given at one month, the second at three-and-a-half months, and a booster dose at nine months,” said District Immunization Officer Dr Renu Bhatia.

Deworming drive initiated

Amritsar: The Health Department on Wednesday distributed albendazole tablets in schools and anganwadi centres as a part of its deworming drive. Civil Surgeon Dr Charanjit Singh gave tablets to students at Government School, Karampura. The medicine would be made available to around 2.10 lakh students at 1,313 government schools and anganwadi centres and three lakh children at 830 private schools in the district. Children aged between 1 and 19 years would be provided the medicine. The health officials said those kids who were unable to get the medicine today would be given the medicine on September 1. The Civil Surgeon said, “Deworming of children is necessary to ensure their better physical growth.” He said schools had asked to educate kids about personal hygiene.

Dr Dhawan is new deputy director

Tarn Taran: Dr Sandeep Dhawan assumed the charge as a Deputy Director (Animal Husbandry) on Wednesday. Earlier, Dr Dhawan was working as the Senior Veterinary Officer, at the Patti Veterinary Hospital. Dr Dhawan was greeted by employees and officials of the department. Dr Dhawan held a meeting with his colleagues and instructed them to provide better services to residents of the district.