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Ministers of State, Prof. SP Singh Baghel and Dr. Bharti Pravin Pawar from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, unveiled the ‘Strategic Framework for Drowning Prevention’ in a momentous event held today. The unveiling marked a significant step toward addressing the pressing need for preventing drowning incidents across the nation.
In his address, Prof. SP Singh Baghel emphasized the preventable nature of drowning incidents and stressed the urgency of directing collective efforts toward promoting water safety measures. Citing a staggering figure of 38,000 reported drowning cases in the country, he underscored the criticality of launching extensive awareness campaigns to avert such incidents. Prof. Baghel advocated for the implementation of suitable advisories, particularly during celebrations and rituals, which often witness a surge in drowning cases.
Dr. Bharti Pravin Pawar elaborated on the strategies outlined in the National Strategic Framework document, emphasizing the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, robust communication strategies to raise public awareness, and the formulation of national and state-specific action plans for drowning prevention. She highlighted the need for evidence-based interventions and research to create contextual and effective strategies aimed at curbing drowning incidents.
Dr. Pawar pinpointed the lack of knowledge and awareness about water safety as a significant contributor to drowning incidents. To counter this, she emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive approach encompassing awareness drives, educational initiatives, data-backed interventions, infrastructural development, collaborative efforts, and efficient emergency response mechanisms.
Moreover, the conference witnessed the presence of esteemed personalities such as Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, and Dr. Manasvi Kumar, Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with senior government officials. Their attendance underscored the gravity of the issue and the collective commitment toward adopting measures outlined in the strategic framework to prevent drowning incidents in India.
