Balbir Singh Sidhu launches three-day Polio Vaccination Drive for migratory population

Around 10 Lakh Children to be immunized across the State

Chandigarh, September 16 (Punjab Post Bureau) –  The Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu on Sunday launched the three-day Sub-national immunization day (SNID) drive specially for the migratory population by administering drops of oral polio vaccine (OPV) to children below five years at a state-level function in Balongi (Mohali) here. The target is to administer drops to around 10 lakh children in the age group of 0-5 years across the state.

            Speaking at the event, the Health Minister said that as many as 8000 teams have been deputed into service across the state, which will conduct house to house visits during the drive whereas a total of 800 supervisors will carry out sudden checks to monitor the immunization program and to ensure that all children are immunized.

             Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu appealed to the people to get their children vaccinated even if the child is born a few hours ago or is suffering from cough, cold, fever, diarrhea or any other disease as the polio drops have no harmful effects in these sick children. He said the country is already polio-free; however, the vaccination is must to sustain polio eradication from the country. He said that on 27^th March 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared India a polio free country.

            Amongst present on the occasion were Dr. Avneet Kaur, Director Health & Family Welfare, Dr. G.B Singh, state immunization officer, Civil Surgeon Mohali Dr Manjit Singh, Dr Veena Zarwal, Dr Kuljeet Kaur, Manjeet Singh, Nirmaljeet Singh, Balbir Singh etc.