Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer today launched the National Polio Immunization 2022 drive by administering polio drops to children below five years of age in the Rajiv Gandhi Hospital Gangyal Jammu in the presence of Director General Family Welfare MCH & Immunization J&K, Dr Saleem Ur Rehman who is also holding the charge of Director Health Services Jammu.Dr Raghav Langer said, “Elimination of polio cases in J&K is the success of Health care workers and other government agencies engaged in this noble cause. It is a success story of Public Health policy against vaccine preventable diseases. We need to continue to be vigilant and ensure that every child below 5 Year of age must get polio drops.”Later, the Divisional Commissioner also took a round of the premises of the Rajiv Gandhi Hospital.
Dr Saleem Ur Rehman along with Medical Superintendent Dr Sanjay Sharma briefed him about the upgraded patient care in the hospital.The Divisional Commissioner Jammu expressed satisfaction over the functioning of the hospital. He called for upgrading of infrastructure and deployment of trained manpower in far flung areas of Chenab Valley Region.Dr. Raghav Langer appreciated the working of the department and expressed his gratitude towards the dedicated health workers who fought a successful battle against Covid Pandemic and many of them lost their lives. In the Jammu Division, 866773 children up to the age of 5 years will be administered 2 drops of polio vaccine during this intensified pulse polio drive.
On the 1st day, 5488 booths were established aided with 10247 teams and 21259 health care workers for the same. Also, 127 transit points have been established with 474 team members to cover children during the travel, 1107 supervisors will be observing the drive in the entire Jammu region. On the second and third day Health care workers will also visit House to House to cover any left out children. Although Polio has been eradicated from India but due to high prevalence of the same in the neighbouring countries it is essential to maintain a vigil. To stop polio from reentering into the country, the Government of India in collaboration with state governments conducts this drive year after year. Assistant Director Family Welfare MCH & Immunization Jammu Dr Suman Gupta, Dr Shahid Hussain Immunization Officer J&K, Deputy CMO Jammu, District Immunization Officer Jammu along with others also remained present during the launch.