Odisha CM Launches Scheme AMLAN For Tackling Anaemia In State
The programme will benefit about 1.37 crore people, which includes pregnant women, lactating mothers, women of reproductive age group, adolescents and children.
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today launched AMLAN- Anaemia Mukta Lakhya Abhiyan, scheme aiming at mission accelerated reduction of anaemia across the State. Targeting 1.37 crore people, the programme will be rolled out in 55,0000 Government and Government Aided Schools besides 74,000 anganwadi centres by several departments including Health & Family Welfare, School & Mass Education, Women & Child Development, Mission Shakti and ST & SC Development Department.
Terming the mission a giant leap, the CM said the programme will focus on making the State anaemia free. Under the scheme, a multipronged approach will be used for accelerated reduction of anaemia among targeted groups.
Launching the programme virtually, the Chief Minister said that the programme will benefit about 1.37 crore people, which includes pregnant women, lactating mothers, women of reproductive age group, adolescents and children. It will entail major interventions like strengthening iron and folic acid supplementation, testing haemoglobin, treatment of anaemic cases, capacity building of service providers and social behaviour change communication.
Stating that all endeavours are focused on the principle of ‘Every life is precious’, he said the State Government has prioritized development of the health sector. “With intensive focus on public health schemes, Odisha has shown improvement in many health indicators like Immunisation, Infant Mortality Rate, Maternal Mortality Ratio, infant and young child feeding practices, and under-nutrition. However, anaemia remains a major public health challenge across the country,” he said, while urgingdepartments concerned and on-field service providers to work in a concerted manner for AMLAN’s successful implementation. The CM also released the Operational Guidelines for the scheme.
Speaking at the event, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra said the programme will definitely succeed with coordinated efforts of all departments as was done during Covid-19.
While Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian moderated the programme, Health & Family Welfare Secretary Smt Shalini Pandit gave the welcome address and Director Family Welfare offered the vote of thanks. Principal Secretaries and Secretaries of several departments, officials from all districts joined online.