The Chief Guest of the occasion was Dr. Sonam Wangchuk, Executive Councilor, Health, other resource persons including Dr. Phuntsog Wangchok, CMO, Leh, Dr. Manzor Ul-Haq, District Health Officer, Dr. Rinchen, Epidemiologist; Leh, Dr. P. Angchok Ophthalmologist, SNM Hospital Leh and other distinguished members were present.

Addressing on the occasion, Dr Sonam Wangchuk, EC Health emphasized that ‘World Health Day’ is celebrated on the basis of living healthy life and it is not only the responsibility of Health department, Hospital, Restaurant  and Society but it is also the responsibility of every individual to take initiative and make this day meaningful and successful. He also added that water is the basic necessity, for that water should be pure and hygiene wherever and whenever it is used. He also assured that in the coming years more pure drinking water facilities will be provided to the public.

   

Dr. Rinchen, Epidemiologist said that every year this day is observed as global health day all over the world. She highlighted about food-borne diseases which are caused mainly because of infection and intoxication of food due to bacteria, virus and parasites. The food-borne disease kills thousands of people annually in the world. Farmers use different kind of fertilizers and chemicals that causes side effects in our body.

“With the passage of time everything is changing like food production, food distribution that affect the consumers mainly caused by environmental changes which give to the emergence and re-emergence diseases, ” she said.

Dr. Manzoor Ul-Haq, District Health officer highlighted about the history of celebrating this day and said that on 7 April, 1948 World health Organization (WHO) celebrated this day and since then this day is celebrated as World Health Day under different issues related to health, and, therefore, the theme of this year is taken as “Food Safety”.

The concerned health department issued a Physical Fitness Form for cooks, waiters and other candidates who work as a food server. They must check their medical fitness before joining such job. The form will be available at Photostat shop in Leh.

As part of our global strategy to decrease the burden of food-borne diseases, WHO is promoting the five keys for safer food that is to keep clean, separate raw and cooked food, cook thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures and use safe water and raw materials. These are the reason why World Health Day this year is focused on food safety.

  

In the end, Dr. Phuntsog Wangchok, CMO, Leh presented the vote of thanks.