The event aimed at creating awareness on antimicrobial resistance and importance of heart health
AMN / New Delhi
The Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI), organized the HCFI Teachers’ Awards on 29th September 2018, commemorating the World Heart Day, at IMA hall.About 40 principals and 10 teachers from various government and private schools in Delhi-NCR received the awards for their exemplary contribution to health education at the school level.
Dr Sanyam Bharadwaj, Controller of Examinations, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) was the Chief Guest at the event. The other dignitaries present included Padma Shri Awardee, Dr K K Aggarwal, President, HCFI; Dr Sujeet Kumar Singh Director and Dr Sunil Gupta, Additional Director National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The event was organized as a precursor to the 25th Perfect Health Mela to be held from 23rd to 27th October 2018 at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.
Speaking at the event, Dr Aggarwal, said, “At the outset, I congratulate all those who have received the awards today. Apart from being centres for imparting formal education, schools also influence the overall development of a child. Therefore, any healthy habits and hygiene practices inculcated at this stage will stay with children all their life. They are thus both beneficiaries of any health-related activity and agents of change in their family. As educators, teachers and principals can help sow the seeds of good health at a young age and encourage students to impart this knowledge further.”
Dr Sujjet K Singh sensitized all those present on the importance of heart health and the rising incidence of antibiotic misuse. Everyone was also trained in the technique of hands-only CPR by Dr Aggarwal. CPR can help save a life during a heart attack.
Adding his comments, Dr Sunil Gupta, said, “Antimicrobial resistance is on the rise today thanks to misuse of antibiotics. It is imperative to create awareness on the fact that antibiotics are not sweets or chocolates but scheduled and toxic drugs that must be taken only on prescription by a health specialist. Just as they have been taught to say no to crackers, principals and teachers must guide children to follow the practice of not consuming antibiotics without actual need. Children and grahinis can become the drivers of this change.”
Some awardees include Ms Sonia Luthra, Principal, ASN Senior Secondary School, Mayur Vihar; Dr Neelu Goswami, Principal, VSPK International School, Rohini; MsDebolina Mukherjee, Teacher, Air Force School, Subroto Park; Ms Sarika Arora, Principal, Ramjas School, Anand Parbat; and Ms Nidhi, Principal, CRPF, Prashant Vihar.
Ms Sarika Arora, said, “I am extremely honored to receive this award. It is not just an encouragement for all the educators present but also a reaffirmation of our role in acting as agents of change in the lives of children.”
Heart health, antibiotic resistance, and CPR will be some important aspects of the Perfect Health Mela this year. The event is HCFI’s flagship project and one of the most visited community health events, covering all aspects of health, witnessing a footfall of over a lakh every year. meters. The theme for this year’s event is ‘Affordable Healthcare.’ It will be widely covered by both digital and media (electronic, print and outdoor) and will serve as the perfect educational yet fun outing for everyone.The Mela celebrates its Silver Jubilee this year and promises many exciting features for all who attend.
