The Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) would provide an effective protection to the children against polio virus and it is a matter of great pleasure that the drive has started in Uttarakhand, said the Governor, Dr K K Paul while speaking on the occasion of launch of IPV at the associated hospital of the Doon Medical College (DMC) on Tuesday.
He said that though the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared India polio-free with cases still found in neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, utmost care is being exercised and the introduction of IPV ensures that the children are safe from the deadly virus which is known to mutate itself. The governor said that in the year 1951 the population of India was about 32 crores and the average life expectancy was below 40 years but the population has crossed 125 Crore mark and the life expectancy has jumped to 68 years. He attributed it to increased availability of health services. The governor however added that much more is needed to be done in health sector.
The Governor said that directions have been given to authorities to ensure that large number of vacant posts of doctors in the remote and rural areas of the state should be filled on a war scale so that the benefit of the health services reach to every individual. The Governor also ordered the Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) to ensure availability of medicines, medical and paramedical staff in the areas of their jurisdiction.
The IPV was formally introduced in the state when the vaccine was administered to three and half month old Alvira in presence of governor. The mother of the child Tehjeeb a resident of Kargi chowk area of the city was elated as her daughter was chosen for the drive.
Speaking on the occasion the director of NHM, Neeraj Khairwal said that in the year 2015, 56 cases of Polio were reported form Pakistan and Afghanistan so India remains cautious for this virus. He said that the IVP is a safe and effective vaccine given Intra Muscular (IM) to the children aged between 14 weeks to one year.
The Principal of the Doon Medical College (DMC), Dr Pradeep Bharati Gupta said that best medical facilties would be made available in the hospital of Doon Medical College. He said that all preparations for the inspection of Medical Council of India (MCI) are made and expressed confidence that first batch of 150 MBBS students would be enrolled in the college in the month of August this year.
The programme was attended by Principal Secretary Health, Om Prakash, health Secretary Bhupendra Kaur Olakh and top officers of state health services.