Healthcare Programmes

Last Updated on Monday, 09 May 2011 14:18

The CRS runs health clinics from its education centres for women and children.  The clinics have already contributed to a reduction in drop-outs and truancy due to illness by providing free check ups and medication for sick children, which has reduced medical costs for families.  There are awareness sessions on various topics relating to wellbeing and hygiene as well.

 Additional funding for healthcare would not only help but enhance the present programmes.  The CRS hope that it will be able to expand to include three new programmes:

• An iron supplementation programme for anaemic children.  Almost 70 per cent of children living in the slums are anaemic and the iron deficiency in their diet is compounded by helminth infections.  CRS has started an iron supplementation programme in 4 education centres.  Further funding would allow the programme to be expanded to the other 8 education centres.

• Midday meals to improve nutrition and encourage school attendance.  Currently none of the 12 centres provide midday meals for the children.

• Weekly counselling sessions for those who have suffered from domestic violence and sexual abuse.  Most of the children in the education centres come from homes that are scarred by alcoholism, domestic violence and sexual abuse.  Some are the children of sex workers in Calcutta’s red light district.  Children living in these conditions may suffer from emotional and psychological issues throughout life.  The CRS would like to introduce weekly counselling sessions for those children.