A help desk for abandoned, unwanted babies at Lal Ded

Srinagar, Feb 20: Chairman of Juvenile Justice Board and Selection Cum Over Sight Committee, Justice (Retd) Hassnain Masoodi on Wednesday inaugurated help desk and launched helpline number of Integrated Child Protection Society (ICPS), Jammu and Kashmir Social Welfare Department for abandoned, unwanted, shelter less babies at premier maternity hospital, Lala Ded, here.
In the wake of recent increase in crime against children, ICPS under Integrated Child Protection Scheme/Juvenile justice established help desk and helpline for abandoned babies who usually end up in insecure, unprotected and shelter less places.
While urging the need to increase sensitivity with child issues he said, ‘the help desk shall provide all assistance regarding the rescue of abandoned, unwanted and shelter less babies.’
J&K State Mission Director ICPS, G A Sofi said, ‘the help desk shall provide round the clock facility to the persons who wish to handover the child to ICPS Department. The department shall provide health care facility, education, nutrition, shelter to the abandoned babies.’ He further said, ‘we have set up district wise child care institutions, both Government and Non-Government, in order to facilitate these children, institutionalise essential service and strengthen structure in order to provide community level protection and all round development.’
‘We appeal to the civil society, professionals, health department, education department and police to come forward and help create bridge between these abandoned babies and genuine guardians for rehabilitation.’ said MD, ICPS.
Superintendent of Lal Ded Maternity Hospital, Dr Shabir Ahmad said that abandoned babies shall be taken due care and provided facility to protect them from various infections and other risks.
Assistant Director, ICPS, Syed Farhana Asgar on the occasion said.’ This is a great opportunity to reclaim underprivileged babies and rehabilitate them in our society.’ She said people can contact on our 24/7 helpline number 6005894440 of helpdesk established at maternity hospital to rescue and rehabilitate abandoned babies.