Additional Pulse Polio round on March 14

As per the Central guidelines, a population of one lakh is to be covered against one positive case of polio. From the UT, three cases of polio were clinically reported from Palsora, Sector 25 and Bapudham Colony. As against the three cases, a population of three lakh requires to be covered. Punjab and Haryana had 19 and 113 cases respectively. Giving information in this regard, G.S. Sandhu, Director, Health Services, UT, said: "The aim of repeating the camp is to eliminate polio by 2000 AD. In the previous campaigns, one lakh was the target. This time it’s 30,000. Campaigning in various areas has already begun and about 500 personnel of the Health Department will be working, including doctors and paramedical staff."

Ninety booths have been set up for the purpose and various sector officers have also been appointed. "These booths will be supervised by six area officers. While Palsora and Punjab Milk Colony will be jointly covered by UT and Punjab, Bapu Dham and Sector 25 area will be under UT," informed Dr Y.P.Singla, district family welfare officer.

Vaccine carriers have also been arranged, as informed by Dr B.D. Chugh, in-charge, vaccination and district maternal health officer. He added that two drops of polio will be administered to each child to make the programme effective."

Meanwhile, personnel of the Song and Drama division of the Government of India are already busy with spreading awareness . The campaign which started today will continue till March 13 and about nine areas will be covered daily. Target areas, among others, include Sarangpur, Dhanas, Sector 26, Timber market, Kumhar colony, Dadumajra, Khuda Lahora, Mauli complex, Jassu, Janata colony, villages of Raipur Kalan, Brick Killan, Buterala, Panjab University and Sectors 24, 37 and 40.