Itanagar, Mar 18: The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR), led by chairperson Ratan Anya on Tuesday submitted its observations and recommendations to Health Minister Biyuram Wahge at the civil secretariat, here.
The Commission presented a report on various child welfare concerns, including the health needs of Children with Special Needs (CWSN), issues related to substance abuse involving tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, as well as cases of sexual offenses against children.
The Commission informed the minister about the lack of developmental pediatricians and child development centers in the state, which are crucial for the holistic development of CWSNs.
It also recommended conducting an in-depth survey on the status of CWSNs by the health department, extending health insurance under the Chief Minister Arogya Arunachal Yojana (CMAAY) to cover essential therapies, and framing government guidelines for the operation and monitoring of therapy centers.
The APSCPCR also emphasised the need for digitizing and regulating the sale of schedules H, H1 and X drugs in pharmacies and the establishment of a dedicated de-addiction center for children.
The meeting was attended by advisor to the minister Dr Mohesh Chai, health & family welfare commissioner Pawan Kumar Sain, Secretary Ira Singhal, along with other officers from the health department and Commission members.