Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Vijay Singla today announced holding of ‘health melas’ in the state from April 18. Many diseases can be prevented by early diagnosis, providing health education, timely referral and management, said Health Minister Dr Vijay Singla. Besides, lack of awareness and poor health seeking behaviour have been found to be the major underlying causes of many diseases, said Dr. Singla.
Talking more about health melas, he further stated that early diagnosis and prevention can significantly reduce the rate of morbidity and preventable mortality. The melas would be held at the block level where information on various diseases and their preventive measures will be provided, along with other healthcare services.
Divulging more, the Health Minister said that these melas will prove to be important for creating awareness about different schemes and programs of the Government, and not just of the Health & Family Welfare, as many other departments of the government such as Department of Food and supplies, Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, Department of AYUSH, Department of School Education, Department of Women and Child Development, Department of Information and Public Relations, Department of Panchayati Raj Institution & Urban Development will participate in these melas.
The Cabinet Minister stressed on the need to increase health awareness amongst the populace for prevention of various communicable and non-communicable diseases and these melas will motivate beneficiaries through innovative mass media and mid-media activities to make positive health behaviour changes.
Detailed instructions have been issued to all the Deputy Commissioners regarding health melas so that people can be informed about various health programs being executed by the government. Various facilities such as laboratory services, consultation, medicine and treatment, referral etc. will be available at one location.
