Shillong, January 09: The fourth round of Intensified Mission Indradhanush in Meghalaya was launched on 9th January 2018 by the Governor of Meghalaya, Shri, Ganga Prasad at Ganesh Das Hospital, Shillong in the presence of the Additional Chief Secretary Shri. P. W. Ingty, Joint Secretary, Health, Smti. R. R Marak, Director of Health Services (MCH&FW) cum Joint Mission Director, National Health Mission, Dr. B Mawthoh, Medical Superintendent, Ganesh Das Hospital, Dr. N M Shylla and officials of the Health department, staff, nursing students of School of Nursing, Theresa House Training Centre.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor informed that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India had launched Mission Indradhanush (MI) on 25th December 2015 as a special drive to vaccinate the unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children and pregnant women. Prior to launching the MI drives, the fully immunized coverage could not cross 65% despite all efforts, and the annual increase in full immunization coverage was a mere 1%. However after the implementation of the MI campaigns, the fully immunized coverage has accelerated @ 7% per annum, he added.
Stating that immunization is one of the most cost effective health inventions which can save thousands of lives by preventing diseases that are not only incurable, but which could even result in death of the affected children, the Governor said that timely vaccination is not only life saving, but is also the birth right of every child and pregnant woman. Therefore he urged all parents and guardians to join hand with the initiative of the Government to achieve full immunization of more than 90% of new-borns in the country by 2020.
As a mark of launching the Mission, the Governor presented a MCP card to a mother and administered Polio drops to a baby on the occasion. Aiming to focus on areas with low immunization coverage the fourth round of Intensified Mission Indradhanush will commence from 9thJanuary 2018 for 7 working days in the state in selected districts namely East Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills, North Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills and only in the urban areas in West Khasi Hills.
The National Health Mission and State Health Department, Meghalaya urge all parents of children less than 2 years of age and pregnant women who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated to come forward and avail the services especially provided for them free of cost.
