In a significant push to safeguard children's health, the Kapurthala district administration in Punjab has officially launched a dedicated Immunisation Week. The initiative, inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Captain Karnail Singh, aims to achieve complete vaccination coverage for every eligible child in the region.
District Leadership Drives Public Health Mission
The launch event was held at the Civil Hospital in Kapurthala, where key health officials outlined the week's ambitious objectives. Leading the charge, Civil Surgeon Dr. Balwinder Singh emphasized that the drive is not just about administering new vaccines but is critically focused on identifying and immunizing children who have missed their routine or scheduled doses.
Dr. Singh detailed that the campaign will operate through a network of 187 vaccination centres spread across the district. These include government health centres, primary health units, and community health outlets, ensuring accessibility for all residents. The Civil Surgeon urged parents and guardians to actively participate by bringing their children to these centres to receive vital protection against preventable diseases.
A Focus on Completing the Vaccination Schedule
The core strategy of Immunisation Week revolves around 'catch-up' vaccination. Health teams will work diligently to review records and reach out to families whose children are due for any vaccine as per the national immunisation schedule. This proactive approach is designed to close immunity gaps and build a stronger public health shield for the community.
Officials stressed that vaccination is one of the most effective and cost-efficient public health interventions. The week-long intensive effort underscores the administration's commitment to reducing child mortality and morbidity from diseases like measles, polio, diphtheria, and whooping cough.
Community Participation Key to Success
While the health department is mobilizing its resources, the success of the drive hinges on community cooperation. The district administration has called upon local leaders, schools, and community organizations to spread awareness about the importance of timely immunization. The message is clear: completing the full vaccination schedule is a fundamental right and a crucial responsibility for every child's healthy future.
As Immunisation Week progresses, monitoring teams will track the coverage and outreach efforts. The ultimate goal, as stated by the authorities, is to move decisively towards 100% immunisation coverage in Kapurthala, setting a benchmark for child healthcare in the state.
