Scores of children get polio drops at CM's home office

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the first phase of the pulse polio vaccination programme on Sunday by administering the drops to children at his home office.

"It's the first time my child is getting polio drops," said Gayathri, who travelled from Herohalli village with her year-old daughter.

She added that women in her village were keen on immunising their children against polio after being approached by ASHA workers and other health volunteers.

Siddaramaiah said the government had set up 32,437 booths in the state for the polio vaccination, and hoped all children aged under five would be administered the drops.

The chief minister said that though Karnataka became free from polio in 2014, there was no need to drop the guard as neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan were still afflicted with the disease and the poliovirus could reach India.

Dr Nagalakshmi, deputy director, immunisation, Department of Health and Family Welfare, said: "We have regular booths in schools, hospitals and anganwadi centres, besides mobile booths that go from one village to another." Then there are transit booths in railway stations and bus stands.

The second phase of the vaccination programme will be held on March 11. The government intends to vaccinate 65 lakh children across Karnataka this year.

DH News Service