Goemkarponn desk
The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights celebrated Children’s Day on 18/11/2021 at Bal Bhavan, Campal with 20 children who have chronic health conditions, i.e. thalassemia, haemophilia and HIV. The Chief Guest for this function was Mr. Dayanand Chawdikar, Director, Bal Bhavan and Guest of Honour was Dr. Mimi Silveira, Ex-Professor & HOD of the Dept. of Paediatrics, Goa Medical College.
Speaking at the event, hon’ble Chairperson of the Commission, Peter F. Borges, said that “Under international human rights law, children are entitled to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health and to facilities for the treatment of illness and rehabilitation of health.” This event is purposefully held to understand the condition of children living with these conditions.
I understand that having a child who has a chronic health condition can lead to loss of your hope for an “ideal” child. Further siblings get neglected, then major expenses, time commitment, confusion caused by conflicting systems of health care management, lost opportunities, and social isolation are some of the troubles you all undergo, he said addressing the parents of the children.
The Commission of child rights will examine all issues of these children and will recommend some measures for social protection and increasing the quality of life of these children.
The programme was a mix of speeches, dramas, songs, group and other cultural performances conducted by JCI (Adv. Eshan Usapkar and his team) who were entrusted to manage the event by the Commission, which was coordinated by Ms. Rekha D’Silva, Hon’ble Member of the Commission. The other Hon’ble Members of Commission namely Dr. (Mrs.) Anita Tilve, Ms. Vaibhavi D. Gavade, Ms. Pradnya N. Desai, Ms. Neelam R. Naik and Mr. Balaji S. Mayekar actively participated in the programme making it a success.