Pulse Polio drive launched in city, target set for 49.2 lakh children across State
Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav launched the Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme on Sunday by administering polio drops to children at the Urban Primary Health Centre in Industrial Estate. He was accompanied by M. Sribharat, P. Vishnu Kumar Raju and District Collector M. Abhishikt Kishore.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the State aims to cover 49.2 lakh children under the age of five under the immunisation drive. He noted that about 60 lakh vaccine doses have been made available and nearly 1.33 lakh healthcare workers, including ASHAs, ANMs, Anganwadi staff, nursing personnel and MLHPs, have been deployed across the State.
The campaign is being rolled out in four phases. On the first day, vaccination is being carried out at around 30,000 booths statewide. Around 1,200 mobile medical units have been deployed to reach remote areas, while transit booths have been set up at bus stands and railway stations. In the final two days, health teams will conduct door-to-door visits to ensure full coverage of eligible children.
The Minister also said the government is strengthening primary healthcare through Ayushman Arogya Centres, with 4,563 centres established across the State so far, including 1,325 in North Andhra.
Highlighting seasonal preparedness, he said preventive measures against malaria, dengue, and chikungunya have been intensified through fever surveys, fogging, sanitation drives, and continuous monitoring.
In Visakhapatnam district, MP M. Sribharat said about 1.89 lakh children have been identified for vaccination, and all arrangements have been made for smooth implementation. He appealed to all stakeholders, including public representatives and voluntary organisations, to ensure no child is left out.
District Collector M. Abhishikt Kishore said 1,002 fixed booths and 62 mobile and transit units have been set up in the district, with around three lakh doses stocked. He added that special teams will continue door-to-door vaccination over the next two days and urged parents to cooperate with the programme.