1 lakh kids screened; anaemia, obesity, dental issues common in Pune

PUNE: Under the state's 'Jagruk Paalak, Sudrud Baalak' programme, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has screened over 1 lakh children in the city from private schools and junior colleges for four Ds - diseases, deficiencies, defects and developmental disorders.
"Once done with private schools, we will move onto civic schools. Children will be referred for treatment, if not already on. For deficiencies and diseases, medication is mostly enough. In birth defects and for surgery, the child is referred to Aundh Civil or Sassoon hospitals," PMC assistant health officer Dr Vaishali Jadhav told TOI.
Observing a rise in deficiencies, even in well-to-do families, paediatrician Dr Pradeep Suryavanshi said, "Unhealthy diets of parents are passed on. Kids are fed with junk to keep them busy. Vision impairment is rising due to digital exposure. Lack of vitamin D is due to less exposure to sunlight. Balanced diets are missing from most homes."
Dr Parag Gaikwad, president, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Pune chapter, said, "Initial years are extremely important for growth and won't come back."