JAMMU, MARCH 11 (KNO) : Minister for Health and Medical Education, Bali Bhagat today kick started the second round of IPPI programme from Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar by administering polio drops to children. Principal Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr Pawan Kotwal and other senior officers of the department were also present on the occasion.
A model pulse polio camp was organized by the Department in the premises of Gandhi Nagar Hospital, wherein scores of children below the age of 5 years were administered the doses of pulse polio. Speaking on the occasion Bali reiterated the commitment of the Health department in keeping the state polio free. “Although there are no cases of polio in the state since 2010, the efforts for eradication need to be sustained in view of risk from neighbouring countries,” he said. He complimented the department for such vast coverage and reach, and said that education levels have helped the state in mobilizing the general public for immunization.
The health Minister said unless eradication of polio in neighbouring countries is achieved the department needs to work relentlessly for keeping polio at bay in the country.(KNO)