Health Dept Organises District-Level ‘Betiyon

Hoshiarpur/Daljeet Ajnoha/Jan 13 : To maintain gender balance between boys and girls and promote equality in society, a district-level “Betiyon Ki Lohri” programme was organised at the Civil Surgeon’s office in Hoshiarpur today, in line with guidelines issued by the Director of Health Services (Family Welfare) under the PC-PNDT Act. The event was presided over by Civil Surgeon Dr Balvir Kumar and led by District Family Welfare Officer Dr Ranjit Singh.During the programme, Lohri was celebrated for 11 newborn girls, and the infants along with their parents were honoured with gifts. Students from the ANM Training School presented colourful performances to raise awareness about health schemes. Lohri sweets were also distributed to all attendees.Addressing the gathering, Civil Surgeon Dr Balvir Kumar highlighted the significance of Lohri, stating that initiatives like “Betiyon Ki Lohri” help curb female foeticide while fostering a positive and healthy mindset towards girls in society. He emphasised that daughters are the strong foundation of society and deserve equal rights and opportunities.He further added that just as we celebrate our sons’ Lohri with great enthusiasm and fanfare, we must raise, educate, and nurture our daughters on par with them. This will enable girls to make invaluable contributions and become pillars of support for both family and society.In his address, District Family Welfare Officer Dr Ranjit Singh noted that the Health Department is making continuous efforts under the PC-PNDT Act to prevent female foeticide. He revealed that these initiatives have earned Hoshiarpur district the best sex ratio award in Punjab from the state Health Department. Stressing the need for further improvement, he urged a positive shift in mindset to empower girls and make them self-reliant.The event saw key contributions from District Immunisation Officer Dr Seema Garg, Assistant Civil Surgeon Dr Ajay Basra, Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr Swati Shemar, District Dental Health Officer Dr Kapil Dogra, Senior Medical Officer in-charge of Civil Hospital Dr Navjot Singh, Senior Medical Officer Dr Neha Pal, Medical Officer Dr Shalini, District Epidemiologist Dr Salesh Kumar, Deputy Mass Media Officer Ramandeep Kaur, Deputy Mass Media Officer Ravinder Jassal, Superintendent Sanjeev Kumar, HI Jaswinder Singh, Tarsem Lal, and the entire staff of the ANM Training School. The office staff were also present.