Lakhs of children below five years were covered under the intensified pulse polio immunisation campaign in the State on Sunday.
Across the State, which is entering a polio-free year for the 9th year in succession, arrangements were made at more than 40,000 booths in all public health centres, government hospitals, noon meal centres and government schools.
An official press release said a total of 1,013 transit booths was operated at major bus termini, railway stations and airports on Sunday. To reach children living in remote and inaccessible areas, 771 mobile teams were also formed to administer the drops.
Over 2 lakh persons from various government and non-governmental organisations participated in the campaign. The second phase would be held on February 24.
In Chennai, 5,44,770 children were covered. According to a press release from the Chennai Corporation, of the total 5,82,000 children, 93.5 per cent had been administered polio drops. For children who have not been covered, Health Department workers will visit homes this week.
A total of 5,220 doctors, paramedical employees, anganwadi staff and volunteers from non-governmental organisations, including Rotary and Lions, participated in the drive that was launched by Mayor Saidai S. Durasamy. Last year, of the 4,95,512 children who were enumerated, 4,41,050 were covered during the drive, said the release.
