The Anemia-Free Rajasthan Campaign has exposed the deficiencies within the Education Department, which is embarrassing for the Health Department despite their efforts. In the most recent report, Udaipur district has slipped from its previous 22nd position to the 24th spot among the 33 districts. The Health Department is now pointing fingers at the Education Department for these circumstances.  In reality, according to Shala Darpan records, Udaipur district boasts a total of 3447 schools. However, only 1158 of these schools have contributed data for the campaign, representing just 30% of all schools.

These schools cater to approximately 2.86 lakh students from Class 1 to 5. Surprisingly, the Health Department's data only reflects the administration of pink medicine to 31,000 children within this group. For students in Class 6 to 12, totaling around 2.77 lakh, the Education Department has reported providing tablets to a mere 11,000 students. Interestingly, districts such as Pali, Ganganagar, Bikaner, Alwar, Barmer, and Dungarpur, as per the Shala Darpan list, are actively collaborating with the Health Department in this campaign.

On Tuesday, the District Council CEO, Kirti Rathore, organized a collective video conference to address system improvements and address the existing shortcomings. Notably, this year's rankings have placed Dungarpur district in the top position, while smaller districts like Rajasamand, Bundi, Hanumangarh, Jhalawar, and Tonk are performing admirably. On the flip side, the list of districts that are lagging behind Udaipur includes Jodhpur, Karauli, Alwar, Jalore, and Dausa. 

Approximately four years ago, the state introduced the "WIFS" campaign with the aim of combatting Anemia in children. Nearly four years ago, the Anemia-Free Rajasthan Campaign was officially launched. As part of this initiative, a provision was established to provide iron syrup to children aged 6 months to 5 years at Anganwadi centers. The administration of iron syrup occurs twice a week, totaling eight times a month. 

In elementary classes, children aged 5 to 9 years receive 45 mg pink tablets once a week (every Tuesday). Children aged 10 to 19 years are provided with blue-colored tablets once a week. For adolescent girls who don't attend school, Anganwadi centers administer this medication weekly, while centers have been established in CHC-PHC for 19-year-old children. 

This campaign involves not only the Health Department but also the active participation of the Education Department and the ICDS (Department of Women's Empowerment). Consequently, ASHA workers, ANMs, Anganwadi workers, and teachers are required to actively participate in this initiative. 

Source: Dainik Bhaskar