On June 28, the Udupi district administration, in collaboration with the district panchayat, district health and family welfare department, national health mission, and various other departments and organizations, launched the national pulse polio vaccination program at the government mother and child hospital in Udupi. The program was inaugurated by Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, who emphasized that India has become a polio-free country and is a model for other countries in effectively eradicating the disease. The pulse polio vaccination program is being implemented with the goal of ensuring that children, who are the future of the country, are healthy and strong. Suvarna stated that robust and healthy children should become future leaders and guide the country towards development.
Despite India being a polio-free nation, polio cases are still being reported in other countries. As a precautionary measure, vaccination programs are being conducted every year. In the district, over 60,000 children are being vaccinated. Suvarna urged people to create awareness about polio and ensure that children receive the vaccine without fail. He also stated that the district, which is educationally advanced, should also be a leader in the health sector.
President of the Coastal Development Authority, M A Gaffoor, stated that the country has become polio and measles-free due to the effective implementation of health programs. He added that the country is committed to making it tuberculosis-free. Gaffoor credited the success of vaccination programs to the cooperation between the central and state governments, doctors, health workers, and social organizations.
Others present at the event included District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. Basavaraj Hubballi, BBMP Director Dr. Mamata M S, District Surgeon Dr. Ashok H, Rotary Plus Committee President Subrahmanya Basri, and others. The program was compered by Field Health Education Officer Shashidhar H, and welcomed by District RCH Officer Jyotsna B K. Rotary President Suraj Kumar Hegde offered the vote of thanks.
In his address, Suvarna mentioned that efforts are being made to give a new look to the mother and child hospital. He added that discussions are being held with the health minister to upgrade the hospital’s basic facilities at a cost of Rs 50 lakh. The health minister is expected to visit the district soon and provide solutions to the existing problems. A request will be made to the minister to resolve the issues related to the allocated site for the district hospital.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi