Second phase of Mission Indradhanush launched

Tribune News Service

Solan,October 7

Health Minister Kaul Singh Thakur today launched the second phase of Mission Indradhanush in the state.

The programme aims at vaccinating children against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, childhood tuberculosis, polio, hepatitis B and measles.

Kaul Singh said the second phase of the health programme was being implemented in Mandi, Kangra, Kullu, Solan, Sirmaur and Una.

Children will be vaccinated from 7th to 13th of every month and the drive will continue till 2016.

Around 6,717 infants were vaccinated in the first phase while 2,350 were extended the complete immunisation facility. As many as 89 lakh infants have been vaccinated in the country so far.

He said the state ranked third in extending vaccination as per a report released by UNICEF and that they were committed to extending quality health services even in far-flung and remote areas. Around 515 doctors had been recruited and the HP State Services Selection Board had been directed to fill 255 posts of nurses. He said doctors and paramedical staff were being recruited on the basis of bed strength of various hospitals of the state.

The minister said Rs 45 crore was being spent on upgrading the cancer hospital in Shimla and a similar amount had been sanctioned for the Mandi-based cancer hospital.

Local MLA and Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment DR Shandil and Director, Health Services, Dr DS Gurung were also present.