The Health Department, Kargil, successfully conducted the Pulse Polio Programme on June 28 as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure complete immunization coverage and maintain the district’s contribution to the country’s polio-free status.

The programme was inaugurated in the presence of Deputy Commissioner-cum-CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, who attended the event as the Chief Guest. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mohd Abass, health officials, frontline healthcare workers, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar appreciated the dedicated efforts of the Health Department and field staff in ensuring the successful implementation of the programme. He stressed the importance of collective participation and public cooperation to ensure that every eligible child receives polio drops and that no child is left behind.

He reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services and ensuring a healthy and secure future for children across the district.

Speaking to the media, the Deputy Commissioner informed that 387 polio booths had been established across Kargil district to administer Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to approximately 13,500 children in the 0–5 years age group.
Addressing the gathering, CMO Dr. Mohd Abass highlighted that the Pulse Polio Programme is a flagship initiative aimed at protecting children against poliomyelitis (polio). Under the National Immunization Drive, all children aged 0–5 years are administered OPV, irrespective of their previous immunization status.

Considering Kargil’s challenging geographical terrain, scattered population, migratory patterns, and remote locations, a comprehensive block-wise action plan covering all seven blocks of the district was prepared to ensure 100 percent coverage of eligible children.

The key objectives of the programme include achieving complete immunization coverage among children aged 0–5 years, reaching children in remote and high-risk areas, ensuring zero missed cases, strengthening surveillance and monitoring mechanisms, and enhancing community awareness through IEC/BCC activities.

Special booth teams comprising Community Health Officers (CHOs), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), ASHA workers, MPHW staff, and local volunteers were deployed across the district to ensure the effective implementation of the programme.