As many as 26.11 lakh vaccine doses for upcoming launch of Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine have been received from Government of India in Madhya Pradesh.
While talking to media persons here on Thursday, S Viswanathan, Mission Director, National Health Mission, Madhya Pradesh said that out of pocket expenses will be reduced for families who go for immunization outside the Government system and pay for it.
He shared preparedness of the State for roll out of vaccine, and that the training of all Medical officers and front-line workers have been completed in all the districts of the State.
He was speaking at media meet organized by State RI cell in partnership with UNICEF, UNDP, WHO, and supported by IAP, IMA and JSI.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine will help save lives of children from pneumonia and meningitis, shared Dr Santosh Shukla, State Immunization Officer while making a presentation at the media meet. He further said that this vaccine costs approximately Rs 3800 but will be given free of cost for all children in Madhya Pradesh.
Dr Vipin Shrivastava, State Cold Chain officer displayed the cold chain system, for maintaining the temperature of the vaccine. Dr Vandana Bhatia, UNICEF Health Specialist, UNICEF MP while responding to question at the media meet shared that we can save 13,500 lives from pneumococcal pneumonia in Madhya Pradesh after the vaccine reaches all children.
Anil Gulati, Communication Specialist, UNICEF, MP anchored the programme. Dr JL Mishra, Director NHM and Nursing was also present at the meet along with Dr OP Tiwari, Deputy Director, Immunization and representatives of UNDP, and WHO.