Health worker crosses flooded stream on bulldozer to deliver polio vaccines
Health worker Paljom Butti demonstrated exceptional courage and dedication by using a bulldozer to cross a flooded stream in the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, ensuring that polio vaccines reached children at the remote Tingrat booth during the National Pulse Polio Immunisation Campaign.
On Sunday, the water level in the swollen Miyar stream rose sharply, cutting off access to the area and leaving no safe means of crossing. Determined to ensure that the nationwide immunisation drive was not disrupted, Paljom Butti crossed the flooded stream with the help of a bulldozer to reach the designated vaccination centre.
Successful immunisation despite hazardous conditions
Despite the hazardous conditions, she administered polio drops to children on time, ensuring the successful implementation of the campaign in the remote region. Her dedication and commitment have been widely appreciated by local residents, who described her efforts as inspiring and reflective of the unwavering spirit of healthcare workers serving in difficult terrain.
Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana praised Paljom Butti, saying, "Such hardworking and committed health workers are an inspiration to society. They continue to perform their duties with sincerity and responsibility even while facing natural challenges, ensuring that essential healthcare services reach every child regardless of the circumstances."
Recognition of healthcare heroes in remote areas
This incident highlights the challenges faced by healthcare workers in remote and mountainous regions of India, where difficult terrain and extreme weather often impede access to essential services. Paljom Butti's actions have been widely shared on social media, with many hailing her as a true hero.
The National Pulse Polio Immunisation Campaign aims to eradicate polio by vaccinating all children under five years of age. In Lahaul-Spiti, the campaign faced potential disruption due to the flooding, but Butti's determination ensured that no child missed the vaccine.
