District Collector V.Seshadri kick started the second phase of pulse polio immunisation programme near Tycoon Hotel in the city by administering polio drops to a child below five years, here on Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that two drops of pulse polio can save a child and banish poliomyelitis from the country for all times to come. Parents should shed false beliefs and notions and come forward to immunise their children in the age group of 0-5 years. They should seek clarifications from health personnel on apprehensions if any on the issue. Even if the children are administered polio drops twice by mistake, it does not adversely affect them, he added.
District Medical and Health Officer R. Shyamala said that the health workers and all stakeholders in the mission are engaged throughout the day in covering the targeted children in the district. Special medical teams had been pressed into service to cover all children apart from 107 mobile services. Officials had reached the inaccessible areas in the Agency well in advance to cover the children in the tribal communities. Several mobile units have been launched to reach remote locations in the district. Special focus was given to reach high risk sections of children by opening polio immunisation booths at all public places including RTC depots and Railway stations.
Greater Visakha Municipal Commissioner M.V.Sathyanarayana administered polio drops on targeted children population at China Waltair in the city.