Budgam: The Pulse Polio Immunization Campaign was formally launched across Budgam district on Sunday with an aim to ensure complete vaccination coverage of children and sustain the region’s polio-free status.
The programme was inaugurated at the office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Budgam, by Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din, in the presence of senior health officials. CMO Budgam Dr. Gulzar, District Health Officer (DHO) Budgam Dr. Lahoot, along with other officers and staff of the Health Department, were also present on the occasion.
Speaking at the launch, the dignitaries underscored the critical importance of the Pulse Polio Programme in protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases and maintaining long-term public health gains.
The campaign has been rolled out simultaneously across all blocks of Budgam district, including far-flung, remote, and hard-to-reach areas, to ensure that no eligible child is left uncovered. In view of the forecast of snowfall and adverse weather conditions, the CMO Budgam reviewed preparedness measures, including logistical arrangements, deployment of vaccination teams, and availability of essential supplies, to prevent any disruption in immunization activities.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din stressed the need for strong inter-departmental coordination, community participation, and proactive field-level monitoring to ensure the success of the campaign. He also appreciated the tireless efforts of frontline health workers, including ASHAs, Anganwadi workers, supervisors, and volunteers, for their dedication and commitment.
The Chief Medical Officer Budgam briefed participants on the micro-planning and operational strategies adopted for the campaign, stating that fixed vaccination booths, mobile teams, and house-to-house visits have been put in place to achieve complete coverage of children under five years of age, even in difficult terrains.
Meanwhile, DHO Budgam Dr. Lahoot appealed to parents and caregivers to extend full cooperation to vaccination teams and ensure the timely administration of polio drops to all eligible children, emphasising that the vaccine is safe, effective, and vital for a healthy future.
The launch marks the beginning of an intensive district-wide effort to maintain Budgam’s polio-free status and further strengthen the public health delivery system.
