MEDICAL DEPARTMENT OF EASTERN RAILWAY ORGANISES AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE & CHILDHOOD OBESITY

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT OF EASTERN RAILWAY ORGANISES AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE & CHILDHOOD OBESITY

The Medical Department of Eastern Railway, in association with the West Bengal Academy of Paediatrics, organised an awareness programme on Adolescent Substance Abuse & Childhood Obesity at various key stations and railway hospitals across the Eastern Railway jurisdiction today.

As part of the awareness drive, two informative movies produced by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics were displayed on the giant screen at Sealdah station to spread awareness about substance abuse and childhood obesity. These movies were also shown at the B R Singh Hospital OPD complex, Howrah Railway Station, Asansol Railway Station, Orthopaedic Hospital Howrah, Asansol Railway Hospital, and Railway Hospital, Andal.

At Sealdah station premises, the programme was conducted in the presence of Dr. Atanu Bhadra, Hony Treasurer, Dr. Kalpana Mandal, CMS/Sealdah, Dr. Mihir Sarkar, Hony Secretary, West Bengal Academy of Paediatrics; and Dr. Agnimita Giri, renowned Paediatrician from the Institute of Child Health, Kolkata. The event was coordinated by Dr. Sayantan Saha, Sr. DMO/IC/Paediatrics/B.R.Singh Hospital.

The programme commenced with an introductory address by Dr. Mandira Banerjee, ACMS/Health & Family Welfare/Sealdah, who highlighted the critical importance of addressing adolescent substance abuse and the growing concern of childhood obesity.

Renowned doctors, including Dr. Agnimita Giri, Dr. Mihir Sarkar, Dr. Chaitali Patra, and Dr. Sayantan Saha, spoke extensively about substance abuse, its warning signs, prevention, treatment, and the vital role of parents in combating these issues. They also delivered an engaging talk on childhood obesity, its harmful effects, lifestyle modifications, and management techniques.

Dr. Atanu Bhadra actively interacted with the audience, including railway commuters and the general public, addressing their queries and concerns.

Dr. Kalpana Mandal, CMS/Sealdah, played a key role in organising this initiative in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Paediatrics.

The Medical Department of Howrah Division, Eastern Railway, organised a similar programme in collaboration with the Howrah Academy of Paediatrics, taking a significant step to combat the rising threats of childhood obesity and substance abuse among adolescents. As part of this health promotion campaign, two short films produced by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics were showcased today on the giant screen at Howrah station premises. These films effectively highlighted the dangers and long-term consequences of childhood obesity and substance abuse, with the goal of educating and empowering the public, particularly parents and young individuals.

Simultaneously, at Andal Railway Hospital, Dr. Tanmay Biswas, DMO/Paediatrics, along with MS/IC/Andal, conducted an awareness programme on adolescent substance abuse and childhood obesity for railway beneficiaries at the OPD complex.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from various departments, including the Health & Family Welfare Department, Sealdah Division, B R Singh Hospital, the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, the general public, railway commuters, and railway beneficiaries.