Mission Indradhanush fails to make impact in Haridwar

Sandeep Rawat

Tribune News Service

Haridwar, April 19

The much-touted Central Government health initiative to vaccinate all children titled Mission Indradhanush has so far failed to make an impact in the district.

Mission Indradhanush has not been effectively implemented. It was organised from April 7 to 15 in Haridwar district, being launched at a city hotel by Health Minister Surendra Singh Negi.

Under this mission, a total of 201 districts of the country have been included. Of these, Haridwar is the lone district from Uttarakhand.

Under the mission, those districts have been targeted where vaccination is below 60 per cent mark. To raise the percentage, the Central Government has initiated this health project.

Taking cognisance of the lackadaisical attitude of the health officials and employees, Chief Development Officer Ranjana has now directed that the shortcomings be made up in the second phase of this central programme, that would be undertaken from May 7 to May 14.

Convening a meeting in this connection, CDO Ranjana called for ensuring that vaccination is made mandatory for all infants and minor children as getting vaccinated is children’s right.

“ANMs have been given the direct responsibility of ensuring that no child is left unvaccinated in their respective area or village. If this happens, she will have to submit a genuine explanation about the reason for that child not getting vaccinated. The ANM will also have to answer when she would be able to vaccinate the child left. If the reply is found unsatisfactory, stern action will be taken against her,” Ranjana told TNS.

Ranjana stressed on giving pentavalent vaccine, as this vaccine comprises DPT, hepatitis-B, Hib vaccine and haemophilus influenza type-B, which immunise children’s bodies against pneumonia, meningitis, diphtheria, tetanus and other ailments.

To generate awareness about this mission, all Sub Divisional Magistrates have been directed to hold meetings at block level. At villages, via posters, banners and school children rallies, awareness drives will be undertaken.

Ranjana added that all ration dealers will also be urging consumers to take a pledge in this regard to ensure their children are vaccinated.