Emphasising the importance of the girl child, A. Edwin Joe, Dean of the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH), said the nation’s development depended on empowerment her.

Addressing the ‘Save the Girl Child’ campaign, jointly organised by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics and Department of Paediatrics at the CMCH, Dr. Edwin Joe said that the life of every girl child was essential for the development of the nation.

“According to statistics from the United Nations, around 7.5 lakh foeticide and infanticide cases are recorded in India on a yearly average, most of which involve female children,” he said.

Claiming that such instances were more prevalent in the northern parts in the states of Haryana and Punjab, the surgeon said that the ratio of male and female children had reduced largely with 900 girls for every 1,000 boys.

“Both the Central and the State governments are providing many schemes for the betterment of the girl child. While the Centre has announced the ‘Bhetti Bhachao, Bhetti Padao’ scheme and strives for empowering of the girl child, the State Government also provides various funds including Rs.12,000 during various stages of pregnancy,” said the Dean.

Urging families to treat boys and girls equally, he added that families should be educated about the equal treatment of girl children at home.

Around 300 women, medical college students, CMCH doctors, nurses and attendants, participated in the event.

Various cultural programmes, including drama, debate and others were also held.