DCPCR’s sets up health and nutrition division, to oversee functioning of nutrition rehabilitation centres in public hospitals

Public awareness campaigns, dialogues and discussions and conduct research studies will be undertaken by DCPCR

The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) has decided to constitute a new division to ensure accessibility, availability, and adequacy of health and nutrition to every child in the city, a statement from the government said on Wednesday.

The ‘Health & Nutrition’ division will be set up within the commission and oversee the functioning of Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres in public hospitals.

It will ensure that adequate steps are taken to monitor, review and take action on the implementation of mid-day meal scheme in schools, provision of supplements for children (0-6 years) as well as pregnant and lactating mothers under Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and neonatal care and screening in hospitals and immunisation of children.

The new division will also inspect and take necessary actions for better health and hygiene of adolescent girls and the right to play for children. The DCPCR shall also organise public awareness campaigns, dialogues and discussions and conduct research studies on the mentioned subjects.

Rajendra Pal Gautam, Delhi Minister of Women and Child Development said, “Delhi’s model of governance is being recognised worldwide. It is high time that Delhi demonstrates that curbing child malnutrition and the infant mortality rate is possible through honest, transparent, and committed governance. Delhi’s department will make it possible within three years.”

“I am glad that DCPCR has decided to prioritise it. This is a historic decision and I offer them my unconditional support, he added.

Anurag Kundu, Chairperson, DCPCR said, “This was a long pending move and is needed to fulfil our commitment to the spirited implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.