Poonch, Aug 11: A tehsil-level programme to mark National Deworming Day was organised today at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Mandi, witnessing active participation from students, teaching staff, and distinguished guests. The event sought to raise awareness on the harmful effects of intestinal worms and to ensure maximum student coverage under this nationwide health initiative.Tehsildar Mandi, Ashfaq Hussain (JKAS), was the Chief Guest, while BMO Mandi, Dr. Riyaz Jaan, attended as Guest of Honour. The Principal of the host school, Anwar Khan, welcomed the dignitaries and participants, highlighting in his address that worm infestations can lead to anaemia, malnutrition, stunted growth, and poor concentration, thereby affecting both physical and cognitive development in children.To dispel any hesitation among students, Principal Anwar Khan, Tehsildar Ashfaq Hussain, and BMO Dr. Riyaz Jaan each took the deworming tablet publicly before its distribution to students — a gesture warmly appreciated by all present. In his speech, Tehsildar Ashfaq Hussain encouraged students to share the importance of deworming with their families and to fully utilise the free provision of tablets, noting that family-level awareness is key to achieving better health outcomes.BMO Mandi, Dr. Riyaz Jaan, informed the gathering that this was the second round of deworming for the year, as the programme is conducted twice annually.Principal Anwar Khan expressed gratitude to the Health Department for its continuous efforts and free provision of medicines, and thanked all dignitaries for their encouragement.The proceedings were conducted by Barket Hussain, Senior Lecturer, who served as Stage Secretary. Notable attendees included Azam Rather, Tehsil Social Welfare Officer; Zahoor Khalid, AEE; and Nazak Hussain Shah, Vice Principal.
