Chief Minister Raman Singh on Thursday said that inoculation of all children in rural and urban areas need to be ensured for the well being of future generation. He was addressing a State-level meet of ‘Mission Indradhanush’ at new Circuit House here.
The Chief Minister lit a lamp and inaugurated ‘Mission Indradhanush’ and wished the programme a success. The Mission will be implemented in eight districts for four months as the inoculation was less than expected in these districts. The team of experts will go to each and every house in the village and inoculate pregnant women and children free of cost.
Singh administered Polio drops to two infants and gave his blessings. The Chief Minister expressed anguish over the less inoculation in urban areas than in rural areas. He appealed for the co-operation of people’s representatives and rural communities. Singh said that poor citizens will be able to lead a healthy and prosperous life. He said health check-up camps should be conducted in slum areas.
The Chief Minister said that ‘Mission Indradhanush’ will bring good tidings. Parents should see that they do not ignore immunization and inoculation which will cost the family and society a lot in future. A single drop of Polio will save a lot and it is very precious. Children become physically handicapped if they are deprived of life-saving drops. There is no cure for polio in the entire world, he said.
Singh said that inoculation can prevent B.C.G, OPV, Hepatitis and other diseases. He revealed that only 50 per cent inoculation takes place in Raipur, Bilaspur, Baloda Bazar, Ambikapur in Surguja district and some other districts.
The Chief Minister said that a sustained campaign for four months will be launched with the co-operation of the Central government in the deficient districts. The goal is to protect each and every child.
He congratulated the Health Department and Women and Child Development Department officers for the drastic fall in infant mortality rate and maternal mortality rate during the past decade. Director of Health Department R Prasanna gave the welcome address.
World Health Organisation and UNICEF is also participating in the campaign. UNICEF representatives Prabhat Das and Dr Ajay Mattu and World Health Organisation Representative and a number of people’s representatives were present at the function.