First phase Pulse polio prog begins
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 19 2014 :
Like in other parts of the country, the first phase Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme for this year was carried out at places of the State today.
The programme has been officially launched with dignitaries providing polio drops to children at the BT Road office of Family Welfare Services with Deputy Commission (Thoubal) T Ranjit formally kicking off the campaign at the district and officers of 69 Bn CRPF administering polio drops to young children at its Mantripukhri headquarters.
Assam Rifles units also joined the campaign at their respective area of location.
The polio immunisation programme at Family Welfare Services office was jointly organised by the Directorate of Family Welfare Services and State Health Society Manipur.
As chief guest of the inauguration programme, State Health Society State Mission Director Dr Okram Ibomcha Singh reminded the parents that under no circumstances should their children miss out on polio administration as such error would be disastrous for the children.
Pointing out that simple drops of polio vaccine in a year to children below 5 years of age would ensure healthy upbringing of the children, he called upon every section of the society to contribute their mite in achieving the World Health Organisation's objective for a polio-free world.
Cautioning that polio disease also transmits due to the migrating population for which there should be constant vigil in the respective localities, the Director also urged health workers to ensure that no children is left out from the campaign.
According to Additional Director (Family Welfare) Dr K Rajo Singh intensified pulse polio immunisation programme was launched in 1995 .
National Rural Health Mission Director Dr Ch Nabakanta and Additional Director (Health Services) Dr A Ibochouba also attended the event.
As part of the campaign, health workers, nurses and anganwadi workers and helpers administered polio drops to children at various localities.
Speaking at the formal launch of the pulse polio administration programme at DC office, Thoubal campus T Ranjit said the district administration aims to cover 57,000 children below 5 years of age during the first phase campaign.
Informing 462 polio vaccination booths would be opened at different pockets of the district and service of 1848 vaccinators utilised for achieving the target, the DC also urged the people to contribute towards India becoming a polio-free nation.
On the second and third days of the campaign, health workers would administer polio drops to children through door-to-door campaign.
Chief Medical officer (Thoubal) Dr Kh Radheshyam, District Family Welfare Officer N Jayenta and District Health Society, Thoubal's Programme Manager H Rishikesh Sharma were also present at the launch function.
At 69 Bn CRPF headquarters, Mantripukhri the pulse polio immunisation programme, inaugurated by the battalion's Second in-command Arun Kumar, saw 350 children administered polio drops by the Officiating Commandant and senior officers of the battalion.
The programme was conducted under the supervision of battalion MO Dr Premlata Devi.
Troops of 28 Sector AR and 40 AR of 9 Sector AR under the aegis HQ IGAR (S) took part in a Pulse Polio immunisation programme in collaboration with the health department at their respective company, battalion and sector headquarters locations.
According to a PRO IGAR (S) release, large number of children under the age of 5 years residing in areas adjoining Keithelmanbi, Singjamei, Canchipur, Lilong, Andro, Kakching, Sajik Tampak, Joupi and Sehlon were administered oral Polio drops and immunised against Polio.
Over 2000 children were immunised with the assistance of Assam Rifles, it added.
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