Massive Pulse Polio Campaign to Cover Karnataka
Karnataka is set to launch a statewide pulse polio drive starting Sunday, with 36,000 booths established across the state to administer polio drops to children. The initiative aims to maintain the country's polio-free status and ensure every child under five years is immunized.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar will formally inaugurate the programme at his Sadashivanagar residence in Bengaluru, with Health Minister U T Khader present. The drive underscores the government's commitment to eradicating polio completely.
Booths and Logistics
The health department has set up 36,000 booths across all districts, staffed by trained healthcare workers. Each booth will operate from 8 AM to 5 PM, covering urban and rural areas. Mobile teams will also visit remote locations to reach every child.
According to officials, the drive targets over 1.2 crore children under the age of five. Parents are urged to bring their children to the nearest booth for the oral polio vaccine.
Government's Appeal to Public
Health Minister U T Khader emphasized the importance of community participation. "Polio is a crippling disease, but it is preventable. We request all parents to cooperate and ensure their children receive the drops," he said.
The campaign follows the national pulse polio programme, which has been instrumental in keeping India polio-free since 2014. Karnataka has consistently achieved high coverage rates in previous drives.
