Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation camp finds heart, kidney problems in kids

In a programme to monitor the health of schoolchildren, the health team of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) found that 69 students in the age group of 1 to 18 years had problems related to the heart. They further found that 33 students complained of kidney ailments while 11 school children showed symptoms of cancer!

The School Health Check-Up programme is part of the state government's initiative.

The AMC health officials examined around 6.40 lakh school kids till January 14. Of this, around 1.20 lakh were examined by medical officers and 73,428 students were examined at the spot and given medical aid.

"We have directed 113 students to municipal hospitals and for special medical service to UN Mehta Cardiology Institute, Kidney Hospital and MP Shah Cancer hospital for further treatment. Some of the students were found to have a hole in heart among other cardiac problems," said chief medical officer at AMC SP Kulkarni.

Under the programme, the AMC plans to check the health of around 12 lakh school students. The medical officer at AMC will also organise meetings with parents and guardians to inform them about the children's health. The AMC has also been organizing elocution and culinary competition on healthy food to encourage people to have the same.

Deputy municipal commissioner for health, IK Patel, said the programme is useful as it helps in diagnosing the health problems at an early stage. "Moreover, students who come from poor family will not have to worry about treatment as the state government will bear the cost," said Patel.  

The AMC plans to complete the health check up drive by February 15 this year which will cover students in the age group of 1-18 years.