Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: The Pediatric Association of Manipur (PAM), in collaboration with BABINA Hospital, formall inaugurated the ORS Week Celebration 2025 today at the hospital’s training hall, located at Sajiwa Jail Road, Khabeisoi, Imphal East.
The event was hosted with the objective of spreading awareness about the importance of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) in preventing and managing dehydration, especially in children.
Dr. Th Dhabali Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of BABINA Group of Companies, attended the function as the Chief Guest while Dr Shyamkumar Laishram, Medical Superintendent of BABINA Hospital, presided over the function. Dr RK Rupabati Devi, Vice President of PAM and Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, RIMS, and Dr Chabungbam Smilie, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, RIMS, graced the occasion as Guests of Honour and Speaker, respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Th Dhabali acknowledged the persistent gap in ORS coverage despite its proven efficacy. “Although ORS can prevent up to 90 percent of childhood deaths caused by diarrhea, only about 60 percent of children with diarrhea currently receive ORS. This calls for increased awareness and ensuring 100% availability and accessibility of ORS across all levels,” he remarked.
In his welcome and keynote address, Dr. L Basanta, Secretary of PAM stated that diarrhea is the third leading cause of deaths among children under five years of age, which could be easily prevented with a simple, cheap, and easily available solution like ORS—along with clean water, good sanitation, and proper hygiene.
Dr. Shyamkumar Laishram, while delivering the presidential speech pointed to the global and national burden of childhood deaths due to diarrhea. “Globally, around 1,200 children under five die every day from diarrhea—that’s approximately 50 deaths every hour. In India, we lose about 440 children daily, or 17 every hour, due to this preventable condition,” he stated, underlining the importance of timely ORS administration and improved community awareness.
Dr. RK Rupabati Devi, Vice President of PAM and Associate Professor in the Pediatrics Department, RIMS, addressed the gathering as Guest of Honour, highlighting the association’s commitment to child health and public outreach during ORS Week.
Dr. Chabungbam Smilie, delivered an informative address as the Speaker of the function. She explained in detail the composition and importance of ORS. “ORS plays a critical role in preventing dehydration and death in children suffering from diarrhea. Increasing community-level knowledge and access can significantly reduce mortality,” she stated.
ORS Week will continue with various awareness activities across the state aimed at educating parents, caregivers, and healthcare workers on the life-saving benefits of ORS and zinc in managing diarrheal diseases in children.
