By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: A health programme, implemented by Bosco Integrated Development Society (BIDS), Shillong, in collaboration with the East Jaintia Hills Child Welfare Society (EJHCWS), formed by the citizens of the district, was recently inaugurated at Moolamanoh in East Jaintia Hills District.
The programme was inaugurated by D Phawa, ADM, East Jaintia Hills in the presence of former MLA Simon Siangshai, local headman Matheus Siangshai, and secretary of East Jaintia Hills Child Welfare Society (EJHCWS) Albinus Nongtdu, besides other members.
The health programme is a pilot project which will lay the foundation for educational, health and other rights-related programme for children in the district.
In her address, Phawa strongly emphasized on the need for correct understanding of the situation of children working in the coal mines.
She mentioned that despite child labour being banned by law, it still exists in different parts of the country.
“It is the duty of every family to ensure that children under the age of 14 years go to school and not to work,” she added.
Fr. Cyril Tirkey SDB, Director of BIDS, called on all to make East Jaintia Hills a child-friendly district.
Dr Sariang, in charge of Rymbai CHC, spoke on the various ailments prevalent in the coal-mine area and the support available from the Government departments.
The inaugural programme was followed by a day-long free health checkup and free distribution of medicine to over 300 patients.