To prevent dehydration caused by diarrhoea, distribution of Oral Rehydration Salts I.P (ORS) and zinc tablets to children below five years began in the corporation limits on Monday.
Corporation Commissioner R. Sadheesh inaugurated the camp at Municipal Elementary School at Sahadevapuram.
V. Paneerselvam, MP, and City Health Officer R. Selvakumar were present. Officials said that due to seasonal rainfall leading to change in temperature, children suffer from diarrhoea. Liquid is drained out of child’s body and it is essential that they get extra drinks to replace the lost liquid. The ORS solution will not stop diarrhoea, but will prevent the child’s body from drying up, they added.
Camps will be held till June 24 at 320 anganwadi centres and 16 primary health centres to cover 70,000 children. Officials said that children suffering from diarrhoea will be identified and they will be again given the ORS solution and zinc tablets from June 25 to July 1 at their houses. Also, mothers were asked to intake nutrient food and also wash their hands properly with soap. They were also educated on administering the solution to their children while at home. Officials have asked the residents to utilise the service and administer the solution and tablet at the camps. Executive Engineer A. Ashokan and other officials too were present.