National Pulse Polio Immunization Programme Conducted at PBMH and RHTC of KIMS
The Department of Community Medicine under the able leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Sonali Kar and a team led by Dr. Krishna Mishra, Associate Professor and In-charge of immunization clinic, KIMS along with the immunization faculty supervisor, Prof. (Dr.) S. Suneeti Kanyari successfully conducted The National Pulse Polio Immunization Programme on 28th June at PBMH, KIMS.
To ensure maximum beneficiary foot falls, banners in English and local language were displayed at high patient and community activity points. Awareness videos on Pulse Polio Immunization in official and local languages were continuously played on screens at various transit points of the Hospital, Pediatric and Obstetric wards. All the vaccines had been procured from the government and the reporting was done as per standards. Those who had missed the campaign were given the service on the next day as per standards. Two dedicated immunization booths were established at the KIMS Immunization Clinic to facilitate the smooth administration of polio drops to eligible beneficiaries (under 5 children). The programme was graced by the presence of Medical Superintendent, Dr. Manas Ranjan Behera and other faculties of the department. All possible logistics and co-operation was provided by the management of KIMS and PBMH.
Current interns’ batch was used in operational tidiness of the programme, which was to the satisfaction of all.
The booth witnessed an impressive turnout, with a total of 373 beneficiaries on the first day. The programme also received appreciation from a inspecting delegation team from the World Health Organization (WHO) Odisha branch for the continued commendable efforts in polio campaigns since the last 2 years. They complimented the community friendly arrangements, efficient teamwork, and the impressive beneficiary turnout.
RHTC Kalarabanka Pulse Polio Immunization Programme:
The Pulse Polio Immunization Programme was also successfully implemented at the Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC), Kalarabanka under Community Medicine Department by establishing immunization booths and administering oral polio vaccine (OPV) to all eligible children below five years of age at the AWC and through outreach booth. The booth witnessed a turnout of 120 beneficiaries. Awareness activities, including health education and community mobilization, were conducted to ensure maximum participation. The programme was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Geeta Chand Acharya (In-Charge RHTC) and Prof. (Dr.) Sai Chandan Das (Supervisor In-Charge) and healthcare staff targeting good immunization coverage.
The successful conduct of the National Pulse Polio Immunization Programme at KIMS reflects the institution’s continued commitment to safeguarding children against poliomyelitis and promoting National and state led public health initiatives under participatory and collaborative approach.