Posted by : Admin|Date : 19 Dec, 2025|Location : Karamsad

School-Based Programme Launched to Tackle Anaemia Among Adolescent Girls

The Community Medicine Department of Pramukhswami Medical College (PSMC), Bhaikaka University, in collaboration with District Health Officials, launched a School-Based Integrated Anaemia Control Programme for adolescent girls in Anand district on December 19, 2025, at a school in Petlad. 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to anaemia due to physiological and reproductive changes. The challenge is more pronounced in India’s aspirational Districts, where gaps in education and healthcare infrastructure contribute to a higher disease burden.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr Suneela Garg, Professor of Excellence in Community Medicine and Professor Emeritus at the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), New Delhi. Addressing the gathering, Dr Garg emphasized the importance of early detection, treatment, and prevention of anaemia, highlighting it as a critical public health concern among adolescent girls.

Dr. Manisha Gohel, Head of the Community Medicine Department at PSMC, stated that the initiative is a six-month intervention project targeting nearly 400 adolescent girls through school-based activities aligned with the Anaemia Mukt Bharat guidelines. By launching the programme at the school level, the project aims to ensure early intervention and achieve a sustained impact on adolescent girls’ health, significantly contributing to anaemia control in the district.

As a part of the outreach efforts, the department also launched this program at Kanya Vidyalaya, Bhadran, on January 9, 2026 in collaboration with the Shivani Bhatt Charitable Foundation, Pramukhswami Medical College Alumni Association, and District Health Officials. A large number of adolescent students participated and were counselled on anaemia, nutrition, menstrual health and preventive measures.

Government Officials said the programme highlights a strong partnership between academic institutions, healthcare providers and community organisations aimed at improving adolescent health outcomes in Anand district.