DW BUREAU / Chandigarh The Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Vijay Singla today announced holding of Health Melas in the state from April 18 as the state has a dual burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases and many of these diseases can be prevented by early diagnosis, providing health education, timely referral and management. Besides, of awareness and poor health seeking behaviour have been found to be the major underlying causes of many diseases, said Dr. Singla. While informing about organising of these Health Melas, he further stated that early diagnosis and prevention can significantly reduce the rate of morbidity and preventable mortality. The melas would be held at the block level where information on various diseases and their preventive measures will be provided, along with other healthcare services. Divulging more, the Health Minister said that these Melas will prove to be important for creating awareness about different schemes and programs of the Government, and not just of the Health & Family Welfare, as many other departments of the government such as Department of Food and supplies, Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, Department of AYUSH, Department of School Education, Department of Women and Child Development, Department of Information and Public Relations, Department of Panchayati Raj Institution & Urban Development will participate in these melas. The Cabinet Minister stressed on the need to increase health awareness amongst the populace for prevention of various communicable and non-communicable diseases and these melas will motivate beneficiaries through innovative mass media and mid-media activities to make positive health behaviour changes. On the occasion, the Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Department Punjab Mr. Raj Kamal Chaudhari stated that detailed instructions have been issued to all the Deputy Commissioners of the state regarding successful organisation of these Health Melas and these Health Melas envisage to attract a huge number of people desiring to avail quality health care services with free essential pathological tests and medicines. These melas will also help in informing people about the various health programs being executed by the government and various facilities such as laboratory services, consultation, medicine and treatment, referral etc. will be available at one location, added the Principal Secretary. (editor@dailyworld.in)