Haflong, 30th June 2021: Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine was formally launched today at the Urban Health Centre, Haflong in Dima Hasao under the Universal Immunization Programme along with rest of the districts in Assam.
The programme was conducted by Haflong MLA Smti. Nandita Gorlosa along with Executive Member of N.C.H Autonomous Council in-charge Medical Mr. Samuel Changsan.
The programme was also attended by the Principal Secretary of NCHAC Smti. L.Zovi Nampui, NCHAC Secretary of Health Department Mr. TT Daulagupu, Joint Director of Medical and Health Service Dr. Dipali Barman and host of other doctors, nurses and other health workers.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Nandita Gorlosa, appreciated the efforts of the entire medical fraternity, especially throughout the pandemic time. She added how the introduction of free PCV will help to save children from this potentially fatal disease not only in the district of Dima Hasao but also across the country with its launch.
Medical EM Samuel Changsan, in his speech, lauded the government for its efforts to make health facilities accessible to all. He also said, “It is important to note that PCV vaccine in private sector is an expensive vaccine, and now through UIP, it will be provided free of cost across the district also, by helping those who are in most need of it”.
Earlier, the Additional Chief Medical & Health Officer, With a commitment to ensure good health for children and protect them from all Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VDPs), Dr. Marina Changsan informed that India has a high burden of Pneumonia as evident by the fact that it killed 1, 27,000 under five children and more than 14 children every hour, whereas in this district there are 20 cases of Pneumonia deaths of infants in the last three years.
The programme was centrally launched at Guwahati, in virtual mode at the backdrop of the prevailing pandemic situation. It is to be noted that in Dima Hasao, Universal Immunisation Programme is one of the largest health programme in the District, with an annual target of 3,951 new born and 4,546 pregnant woman.
As a part of the programme infants were given shots ceremoniously at the urban health centre in presence of the dignitaries.
Others who spoke on the occasion were Principal Secretary, Secretary and Jt. Director, Health Service, who pointed out that the programme was meant for mothers and their infants, as direct beneficiaries. They all urged upon the mothers to not be hesitant and come forward and avail this benefit and also expressed their gratitude to the government and hoped that the mothers will get their children vaccinated in time.
.
0 Comments