ORS Week Celebration 2025 kicks off at BABINA Hospital
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 23 2025: The Pediatric Association of Manipur (PAM), in collaboration with BABINA Hospital, formally inaugurated the ORS Week Celebration 2025 today at the hospital's training hall, located at Sajiwa Jail Road, Khabeisoi, Imphal East.

As per a release issued by BABINA Hospital, 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.

The inaugural function was graced by dignitaries, including Dr Th Dhabali Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, BABINA Group of Companies; Dr Shyamkumar Laishram, Medical Superintendent, BABINA Hospital; Dr RK Rupabati Devi, Vice President, PAM and Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, RIMS; and Dr Chabungbam Smilie, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, RIMS.

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.

Delivering the 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.

Underlining the importance of timely ORS administration and improved community awareness, Dr Shyamkumar Laishram said, "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" .

"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", said Dr Chabungbam Smilie.

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.

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